- Length of stay for heart failure related readmissions shortened by 67%
- Total cost of heart failure-related care for each patient dropped by 42%
Singapore – The positive one-year results of a Heart Failure Telehealth program, piloted by Changi General Hospital (CGH) and Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), showed a 67% reduction in length of hospital stay for heart failure-related readmissions, a 42% reduction in costs of care, and an enhanced quality of care. The heart failure patients enrolled in the telehealth program benefitted from increased knowledge of their condition and improved self-care abilities, resulting in a greater confidence in managing their heart condition.
The experience obtained from this pilot contributes to the design and development of the national telehealth vital signs monitoring (VSM) project initiated by the Ministry of Health. Following the pilot, CGH will be participating in the national VSM project to enable CGH patients to receive care after discharge from hospital, as they return to their homes and the community.
150 heart failure patients from CGH were enrolled in the program between November 2014 and March 2016. They received telemonitoring support for one year and their results were compared against a group that received support only via phone calls.
It is important for patients with chronic conditions to feel that they are empowered and in control of their own health as it increases their capacity to take action.”
Dr. Sheldon Lee
Program Director and Consultant, Cardiology, CHG
With reduced heart failure related readmission, this translated to cost savings for both patients and hospitals. The bill size for heart failure related admissions in a year for heart failure patients in the telemonitoring group was 42% (S$ 2,514) lower compared to patients that received support via telephone calls.
“It is important for patients with chronic conditions to feel that they are empowered and in control of their own health as it increases their capacity to take action,” said Dr. Sheldon Lee, Program Director and Consultant, Cardiology, CGH. Patients with greater knowledge of their conditions are more confident about self-care, and are more likely to comply with treatment plans. This naturally leads to reduced risk of complications that may necessitate readmission to CGH. We are delighted to see these encouraging results in the pilot and will continue to look into enhancing the program further so as to provide sustainable benefits for our patients in the long run.”
Results also suggest that patients on the program felt more empowered to engage with their healthcare providers. 94% of respondents reported that submitting their weight and blood pressure readings helped them to talk more about their condition during their doctor’s visit.
“This program has helped me understand how to take better care of my health,” shared Mr. Gan Hwee Sun, 76, who was enrolled in the program. “I am now more conscientious about healthy eating and being active. I am also very grateful to my telecarer for her concern and regular follow-ups with me. She has shared useful knowledge about heart failure, which has given me more confidence to manage my condition at home. I have been following her advice and now have more energy and am able to walk more without feeling breathless easily.”
This program has helped me understand how to take
better care of my health.”
Mr. Gan Hwee Sun
Participant of the telehealth program
To meet the long-term demand for chronic care, we
need to start shifting chronic disease management beyond hospital walls and into our patients’ home.”
Diederik Zeven
General Manager Health Systems, Philips ASEAN Pacific
Heart failure patients in the telemonitoring group were provided a weighing scale and blood pressure monitor to assist them in the daily measurement of their weight, pulse and blood pressure upon discharge from CGH. They also received a personal tablet to wirelessly capture these key vital parameters and to upload it to a central system for monitoring. Tele-nurses then remotely monitored participants’ vital readings and intervened when signs of deterioration were detected. To teach patients how to manage their diseases and ensure care compliance, there were also educational videos, e-quizzes and follow-up calls from tele-nurses.
“To meet the long-term demand for chronic care, we need to start shifting chronic disease management beyond hospital walls and into our patients’ home,” said Mr. Diederik Zeven, General Manager, Health Systems, Philips ASEAN Pacific. “Telehealth, where patients are remotely monitored at home, is a sustainable and scalable model that bridges the care delivery gap. At the same time, this care model also shows positive impact in treatment compliance which results in better quality of life for patients. Staying connected with patients in between their check-ups, ensuring that they remain healthy, thereby reducing hospital readmission rates and healthcare costs are the optimal goals in patient care.”
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2016 sales of EUR 17.4 billion and employs approximately 70,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.
Changi General Hospital (CGH) is an award-winning public hospital with over 1,000 beds serving a community of 1.4 million people in eastern Singapore. CGH offers a comprehensive range of medical specialties and services, helmed by a highly experienced and skilled team of healthcare professionals who consistently deliver excellent health outcomes and care for patients. CGH is a member of the SingHealth cluster of healthcare institutions.