Pioneering digital initiative helps recovery process for cardiovascular patients

That according to figures compiled for the Croí MySláinte programme, which were presented to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, as he officially opened its virtual launch at an event attended by stakeholders last week.

The programme, funded by the Government’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019, had to be delivered virtually due to restrictions on traditional healthcare delivery imposed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Croí’s pivot to virtual delivery involved the creation of a newly-developed interactive platform, which enabled participants to access the programme from the comfort and safety of their home, including access to pre-recorded videos, resources and links to weekly live Zoom sessions.

A total of 105 people, who had experienced a cardiac event such as a heart attack, opted to take part in the initiative.

Participants were aged between 35 and 84 years, and were referred from cardiac centres across the west of Ireland, including Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Limerick and Donegal.

Following a total of 423 virtual consultations over a period of twelve weeks, a range of health improvements resulted for those involved.

These saw physical activity levels increased almost six-fold; blood pressure control improving from 24% to 68%; and LDL cholesterol target achievement increased from 14% to 41%.

Over half of participants (57%) lost more than 2% of their bodyweight, with almost a quarter (23%) losing 5% or mor – and anxiety and depression levels among participants were reduced by more than half.

Many of the participants were also living with other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease and cancer, meaning wider benefits for their other conditions also.

The programme, which was overseen by a consultant cardiologist, was delivered by a specialist interdisciplinary health team comprised of a cardiovascular nurse prescriber, a physiotherapist and a dietitian.

, Croí Head of Health Programmes, Dr Lisa Hynes, revealed that cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death and disability in Ireland – and globally.

“We know that every year approximately 10,000 people die here from cardiovascular disease or CVD,” she said.

“Cardiac rehabilitation programmes, which are traditionally provided as a face-to-face activity, are proven to reduce cardiovascular death and disability.

“Through the virtual Croí MySláinte programme, we’re proud to have developed a new way to deliver this care with clinical outcomes that are comparable with those observed in traditional face-to-face programmes,” she added.

Croí CEO Neil Johnson, said that the results of the programme spoke for themselves.

“Like so many other post-pandemic changes, I believe that future healthcare delivery will never be the same again,” he said.

“I am convinced that the future of cardiovascular health programmes such as this must involve a hybrid approach of both in-person and virtual delivery.

“With Croí MySláinte, we saw that age is not a barrier to accessing or participating in a digital online programme. With support, people of any age can engage once they have access to the basics of a device and access to broadband. Our programme saw uptake of over 70% and retention of over 80%, with participants describing the programme as ‘life-changing’ and ‘life-saving’.

“We know that in pre-pandemic Ireland, we had historically poor uptake of cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation programmes.

“Providing a mix of both online and in-person approaches means that we can improve uptake levels and be responsive to patient needs,” he added.

For anyone concerned about their heart health or seeking information on heart disease or stroke, contact Croí’s health team on 091 544310 or visit www.croi.ie