Heart patients in hi-tech experiment 

Source: ONE NewsFergus Freeman tests a new hi-tech treatment from the comfort of his home

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Heart patients in Auckland are getting some high-tech treatment from the comfort of their own home.
 
The system being trialled delivers their vital signs straight to their cardiologist's laptop, cutting out unnecessary trips to the hospital.

Fergus Freeman, a congestive heart failure patient, is one of those trialling the new system.

Each morning he switches on his new mobile phone and carries out three simple tests - he weighs himself, then takes his own pulse and blood pressure.

Its now Freeman's daily ritual. "This is harmless, non-invasive and informative .. it's a piece of cake."

Chris Bowman, spokesperson for Gen-I, says Bluetooth technology helps.

"The readings are automatically sent wirelessly by Bluetooth technology to the mobile phone and then automatically from the mobile phone to the database on the internet," says Bowman.

Those results end up at Greenlane Hospital, where the cardiac team monitors Freeman closely.

The new technology is reassuring for both doctor and patient and is convenient and immediate. Freeman says he would rather be home than in hospital.

Dr Rob Doughty, a cardiologist, says the system is enhancing patient care because it allows patients to be self aware of their health, which is the goal of the technology.

Less trips to hospital mean  less pressure on busy outpatient clinics and close monitoring means less chance of a rushed trip to A&E.

"For example an increase in weight which would be a signal of increasing fluid retention and congestion can usually be dealt with by changing a patient's diuretic which is one of the tablets a patient takes," says Doughty.

There are 20 heart patients on this first New Zealand trial.

All going well, it will be extended to include patients with chronic illnesses.