Case study from Innovation: early diagnosis in community settings

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A heart failure diagnosis pathway turned into a digital service reduces waiting times

8 December, 2022

What is the aim?

The Lenus Health Heart Failure Service in Scotland is a one-stop digital service that integrates data on general practice referrals, electronic health records and diagnostic results. It consists of a cloud-based dashboard, and is led by a nurse team that runs consultations and examinations. It is currently used in secondary care, but its roll-out to community settings is being explored.

What has been achieved?

The service receives up to 2,000 referrals every year and has shortened waiting times for heart failure diagnosis from 12 months to 6 weeks. It has also reduced the number of referrals for heart failure diagnostic tests and decreased the need for appointments. Following diagnosis, people with heart failure move to a virtual management service, where they receive ongoing monitoring with wearables and virtual reviews.

References

NHS. Transforming heart failure diagnosis pathway to improve the patient journey. Available from: https://transform.england.nhs.uk/key-tools-and-info/digitalplaybooks/cardiology-digital-playbook/transforming-heartfailure-diagnosis-pathway-to-improve-the-patient-journey/ [Accessed 04/08/22]

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The Heart Failure Policy Network is an independent, multidisciplinary platform made possible with financial support from AstraZeneca and Roche Diagnostics. The content produced by the Network is not biased toward any specific treatment or therapy. All outputs are guided and endorsed by the Network’s members. All members provide their time for free. The Network is hosted by The Health Policy Partnership .