Over 40 patients from Lagan Valley Hospital are taking control of their heart health by using the innovative ‘Heart Failure@Home Service’.
Introduced in October 2024 the ‘Feebris’ virtual care technology system means heart failure patients can monitor, track and record their own blood pressure, oxygen levels and weight with a bespoke kit, containing mobile phone, blood pressure cuff, oxygen saturation probe and a set of scales.
Lagan Valley Cardiology Specialty Doctor Andrew Kerr explained that 42 patients are currently enrolled in the Heart Failure@Home,’Feebris’ Service. “We began the rollout of our Feebris service back in October for our heart failure patients, which is a really prevalent condition. With the number of patients requiring hospitalisation, we wanted to provide patients with the technology and equipment that allows them to monitor their condition at home and to make changes to the management of that condition should the data indicate,” said Andrew.
Andrew shared how through the Feebris system, “We get twice weekly reports from the patient allowing us to see how their recording of their data is going and if they have any symptoms this allows us to make any necessary changes. Ultimately, through the data, this enables prevention of the patient coming into hospital as well as that level of reassurance for them that we are monitoring their condition.”
Andrew described how the Feebris service has allowed the patient to take “ownership” of their condition. “Feebris has provided a lot of empowerment for the patient. They are much more in control. At the Cardiac Unit we are reassured that the patient is receiving the right treatment which can be changed, as required, because of the data we receive.”
Andrew continued, “It is a really exciting time for the Cardiac team and for our patients in Lagan Valley. We are using a new technology to allow us to manage a chronic condition – which is increasing in numbers across the UK and here in the local Lisburn area. Ultimately we are trying to prevent that hospital admission which is not always required. Coming into hospital always carries a risk and if patients can be managed in their own home, that is our preference.”
Cardiac Nurse Specialist Andrea Corbett explained how as part of her role she prepares cardiac patients to ‘onboard’ onto the Feebris system.
“We have been given 60 ‘kits’ for this pilot scheme and it really is for the patient to take ownership of their own condition and journey within heart failure. We’ve been really surprised how the patients are taking to the equipment and how they have got to grips with inputting their own information for blood pressure, weight and oxygen levels. It helps us get a clearer picture in a quicker time,” said Andrea.
Andrea explained how much the service has made a difference to her patients. “We are now seven months in and the biggest key factor has been watching our patients jump onboard and get involved. The feedback has been really positive. We have even had one lady purchase a mobility scooter because previously she had been so afraid to leave the house with her condition. For this lady, knowing that someone is remotely monitoring her condition has given her the positivity to go on and get on with her life.”
Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist Grainne Toal explained how part of her role within the team is to review patient data twice weekly. “If there is any issues with the data I would then ring the patient to follow it up and if required bring them to clinic or provide a face-to-face appointment. The Feebris Heart Failure@Home pilot has many benefits for us as a team and for our patients. It really is a fantastic service.”
