An innovative virtual healthcare initiative which was pioneered through the collaboration of staff at University Hospital Galway and local HSE Integrated Care Hubs means patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation can now access advanced cardiac care from their own homes. Atrial fibrillation is a common but potentially serious heart rhythm disorder that can affect 1 in 3 adults over their lifetime.
The Virtual Atrial Fibrillation Care at Home Pathway supports eligible patients from Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon who present to the Emergency Department; and are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. This virtual care pathway can support earlier discharge of patients from the hospital; and can also aid to avoid admission entirely. Following assessment in the Emergency Department or Medical Assessment UnitatUniversity Hospital Galway, patients are introduced to the Virtual Atrial Fibrillation Care at Home Pathway.
Eligible patients enrolled are equipped with a home blood pressure monitor and access to Fibricheck, a medically certified smartphone application that uses the phone’s camera to monitor heart rate and rhythm.
From home, patients submit readings twice daily through the patientMpower app, a patient-facing application on their mobile phone which integrates with Fibricheck and securely transmits data in real time to a clinician dashboard, allowing the cardiology team to continuously monitor each patient’s condition and respond promptly to any clinical concerns.
Within two weeks of discharge from the hospital, patients attend an in-person follow-up appointment with a Consultant Cardiologist at their nearest Integrated Care Hub – located in Galway City, East Galway, or Mayo. This follow up ensures continuity of care for patients.
“This clinically led and technology-enabled model of care allows us to support the early discharge of patients with atrial fibrillation,”said Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at University Hospital Galway and the Galway City Integrated Care Hub, and Clinical Lead for the Virtual Atrial Fibrillation Care at Home Pathway.
“Combined with early follow-up in the Integrated Care Hub, we can deliver timely, personalisedtreatment to these patients using the insights gained from the remote monitoring dashboard.”
“The virtual care pathway marks a significant advancement in patient-centred, proactive care for individuals living with atrial fibrillation. It reduces the need for repeated hospital visits while ensuring continuous specialist oversight and high-quality treatment in the home setting.
The Virtual Atrial Fibrillation Care at Home Pathway reflects a broader commitment by the HSE to deliver innovative, patient-centred, and integrated care using digital tools to improve access, efficiency, and health outcomes.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “This virtual care initiative is a powerful example of how we are utilising technology to deliver Sláintecare, improving access, bringing care closer to home, and putting the needs of patients at the centre of service design and delivery.
