Bupa says a new heart failure service is helping keep patients out of hospital for longer and improving quality of life with hi-tech remote monitoring.
The company said its health insurance members are one of the first in the nation to have access to the Virtual Heart Failure Service in a partnership with Ramsay Connect.
As part of the program, heart failure patients receive technology and wearables to monitor their blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels and weight from home.
Cardiovascular nurses remotely monitor the vital signs to detect any changes in patients early, which can prevent the need to go to hospital. As part of the program, regular virtual consultations with specialist nurses and allied health professionals also help patients to manage their medication, diet, exercise and mental health.
Bupa said that early results from the program’s trial include a 50 per cent reduction in hospital readmissions and improvements in mental health and medication adherence.
vRamsay Connect CEO Ian Galvin said the Virtual Heart Failure Service was achieving improved health outcomes with patients empowered to manage their condition better and understand their symptoms.
“Chronic heart failure accounts for hundreds of preventable hospitalisations in Australia but with the right support, we can reduce the amount of time people spend in hospital,” said Mr Galvin.
“We know patients want flexibility in their care and they now have access to this program backed by specialist technology and a team of clinicians to provide the care they need at home.
Bupa Health Insurance managing director Chris Carroll said the service supported people to stay well at home.
“The Virtual Heart Failure Service allows our members to get the support they need in the comfort of their own home, avoiding treatment at hospital,” he said.