KardiaMobile® for detecting atrial fibrillation

Recommendation for NHSScotland 

Single-lead KardiaMobile® is recommended as an option for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) for people with suspected paroxysmal AF, who present with symptoms such as palpitations and are referred for ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring by a clinician.

The Scottish Health Technology Group (SHTG) recommendation is based on guidance produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2022. This guidance was considered and modified following an SHTG adaptation process.

NHSScotland is required to consider the Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) advice.

What were we asked to look at?  

KardiaMobile is a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF). It is available as a single-lead or 6-lead ECG recorder. People use it by placing their fingers on the electrodes for at least 30 seconds (the 6-lead device also has an electrode which is placed on the leg). It works with a compatible smart mobile device that runs the Kardia app. The ECG recording can be viewed via the app, and can be saved as a pdf and emailed to healthcare professionals. 

SHTG will produce recommendations for NHS Scotland based on an adaptation of NICE guidance.  The adaptation will be informed by the EUnethHTA Adaptation Toolkit. SHTG’s recommendations will take into account specific considerations for NHS Scotland, including clinical expert input.   

Why is this important 

Technologies that allow ambulatory monitoring of AF are rapidly evolving. While these advancements in the technology are welcome, they have led to variation in practice and a need to understand the relative value of AF monitoring technologies.  SHTG’s advice will inform the use of KardiaMobile in Scotland.

Supported by

Topic experts who sit on the atrial fibrillation group commissioned by National Planning

What happened after our advice was published? 

• Our advice has been used to inform discussions within NHS GGC Acute Clinical Governance Forum, the NHS Grampian Quality and Assurance Team, and the Clinical Effectiveness Group in NHS Lanarkshire. 
• Based on a framework developed by the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA), our advice is deemed to have achieved some influence across NHS Scotland by informing discussion across decision making groups.    
• The advice was viewed by 160 individuals and documents downloaded by 59 individuals over a 6 month period.