First NHS heart patients monitored with Philips wearable ePatch and AI ECG analysis platform Cardiologs

Dr Mark Tanner, Consultant Cardiologist who led the project at UHSussex told Philips: “the results of this project have been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of patient experience and making a diagnosis. What we saw was that using the ePatch and the AI-powered arrhythmia ECG analysis platform, Philips Cardiologs, can increase the likelihood diagnosing heart rhythm problems, especially if patients don’t experience symptoms daily. [1]

Leveraging Philips leadership in innovation and UHSussex’ reputation for excellence in cardiac care, the project is yet another partnership milestone for the pair, reinforcing the shared committed to advance the diagnosis and treatment of heart problems.

UHSussex is the first Trust within the UK to trial Philips ePatch and AI-powered arrhythmia ECG analysis platform, Philips Cardiologs, and to report on the experience. During the project, 100 patients wore a small adhesive patch on their chest for up to two-weeks instead of using traditional Holter monitors. All results were then analysed by Philips AI Cardiologs platform used instead of traditional reporting methods used to diagnose heart arrhythmias [1].

Unlike traditional Holter monitors, the ePatch allows for a longer period of reliable data collection with up to 14 days of continuous ECG monitoring*. A patient-friendly wearable, the device is comfortable and splash-proof, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines. In comparison, traditional Holter monitors require multiple wired ECG electrodes to be applied to the patient's chest linked to a control unit worn on a belt or necklace. These monitors can be inconvenient for patients’ leading to lower compliance which can impact their diagnostic capabilities [2]. By comparison, a study showed ePatch can find up to 2.5x more clinically relevant heart rhythm disorders compared to traditional Holter monitoring [3].

When Philips ePatch is used with Cardiologs, the ability of the cardiology team caring for the patient is equally enhanced, as AI helps detect and diagnose heart arrhythmias such as Atrial Fibrillation often missed by traditional monitors which typically record for 24-48 hours. With traditional Holter monitors, application, analysis and reporting processes can be labour and time intensive for clinical teams. These devices can also be relatively costly, limiting their availability and causing delays in patient tests [2].

Speaking at this year’s UK Heart Rhythm Congress in Birmingham, Dr Mark Tanner revealed the results of the project. From the first 100 UHSussex patients aged between 20-90 years, 97% remained compliant in wearing their ePatch. All patches were returned and when analysed with AI, reported that 66% presented possible arrhythmic symptoms [1].

Dr Mark Tanner, Consultant Cardiologist shared with Philips that: “the pro-longed wear of the ePatch increases the likelihood of diagnosing heart rhythm problems, especially if patients don’t experience symptoms daily. This, together with the affordability of the monitors, means we can offer this cutting-edge technology to all suitable patients at St Richard’s Hospital, with potential to expand to other hospital sites across Sussex.”

When asked on ambitions for the future, Dr Tanner said: “most patients with palpitations do not have a serious heart condition but GPs have needed to refer to hospitals for investigation. The ePatch is simple to fit and when combined with a reporting package, is a good option for GP surgeries, helping to speed up diagnosis times and reduce the referral load on hospitals for low-risk cases.”

Antonia*, a 50-year-old NHS rehabilitation worker from Sussex, was one of the first patients to benefit from the technology. Antonia started experiencing symptoms over a year ago after traditional heart rhythm monitoring failed to detect her condition. Reflecting, Antonia shared:

“The first time I was investigated using the traditional heart monitor was really tough. The leads and wires were awkward, itchy, and uncomfortable. I could only tolerate the for a day or two, during which time the device didn’t catch any irregularities, which made it feel like a complete waste of time and resources.”

After wearing the ePatch for 14 days, she was diagnosed with an intermittent slow heart rate and has now been offered early treatment. Looking back Antonia added: “it was a completely different experience. There were no trailing leads and no skin irritation, and I totally forgot I was even wearing it and could just get on with my day-to-day activities.”

Mark Leftwich, Managing Director Philips UK and Ireland shared that, “the results of this project show the potential of new technology in shifting care from the pressures of hospitals to community settings and within patients’ own homes. In the US, more than 1.2 million patients are already being monitored using these innovations. As recognised within Labour’s 10-year plan to save our health service, wearable innovation like that leveraged at Sussex could help to transform the NHS and provide better care for more people with potentially life-threatening conditions.

*One Philips ePatch extended wear Holter monitor can be used for up to 5 days, before a change is required. Once replaced, the ePatch can validate up to 7 and 14 days of monitoring.