Virtual Healthcare Initiative Brings Cardiac Care Home for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

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 the comfort of their own homes. Atrial fibrillation is a common but potentially serious heart rhythm disorder that affects 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 Unit at University 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, personalised treatment 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.

Paula Finn, who was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and enrolled in the virtual care pathway, spoke about how the experience supported her recovery:

“It gives me real peace of mind knowing that the cardiology team is monitoring my readings and looking after everything behind the scenes. The app is so easy to use, and being able to recover in my own home made a big difference. The team has been absolutely wonderful, so supportive, and it’s reassuring to know they’re only a phone call away if I need them.”

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.

“As well as enhancing patient outcomes, clinically led, technology-enabled care eases pressure on acute hospital services. By supporting earlier discharge, preventing admission to the hospital, enabling virtual monitoring, and ensuring follow up in the community, this pathway exemplifies integrated care in action."

Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, Rachel Kenna said: “We are making significant progress in implementing advanced nurse and midwife roles. I’m delighted that this virtual care initiative is enabled through Advanced Nurse Practice, supporting the delivery of integrated care. This illustrates how the development of nursing and midwifery professions is central to enabling the delivery of new, more efficient care pathways for patients.

“The Virtual Atrial Fibrillation Care Pathway demonstrates how cross-disciplinary collaboration and regional coordination, facilitated by the trust of patients, is helping to create a truly sustainable, integrated, efficient health service.”

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