What were we asked to look at?

The Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) has been asked to assess the clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness (including system efficiencies) and safety of electrocardiogram (ECG) patch monitors compared with traditional Holter monitors or cardiac event recorders in detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).

Why is this important? 

AF is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting around 2% of the adult population. It is characterised by breathlessness and palpitation, though it can also be asymptomatic. AF is responsible for about 20% of all strokes and it is associated with higher mortality rates in stroke patients. Early diagnosis could reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiac-related conditions.

ECG patch monitors are small biosensors that are used to detect cardiac rhythm abnormalities over extended periods of time (up to 14 days). They are designed to continuously record the electrical activity of the heart, allowing for uninterrupted recording during daily activities (including showering, light physical activity or sleep) while wearing the device. Data are reviewed and analysed by trained clinical staff after patients have completed the monitoring period.

Referred by

The Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) collaborative.