Ysbyty Gwynedd Alaw Ward using remote monitoring technology during pandemic
New technology is allowing hospital staff to monitor some cancer patients who are on chemotherapy at home through a wearable smart watch.
The data is captured via the wearable device and then transferred via the app on the patient’s smart phone, and made available to clinicians at Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Alaw Ward in real-time.
The technology within the ADRE-CC (Adopting Digital Remote eCare) Project, is designed by UK company Aparito, and collects data on the patients sleep pattern, heart rate, temperature and activity levels.
This allows hospital staff to safely monitor the patient and also enables them to rapidly identify those who are in need and may need to come into hospital to be assessed.
The app is currently available for Oncology and Haematology patients, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr Pasquale Innominato, said: “This technology offers us a way of keeping a close eye on our patients while they’re at home.
“A large number of patients with cancer receive chemotherapy, and some of them will experience complications that may lead to emergency admissions.
“The ADRE-CC project can help us quickly identify problems and treat them in a timely manner and help to reduce emergency admissions.
“We have a great team involved in this and I’d also like to thank Dr Nicholas Wreglesworth for his input into the study.”
Catherine O’Keeffe, from Anglesey, is currently receiving chemotherapy following her diagnosis of breast cancer earlier this year.
Catherine is currently using the app to keep in contact with her clinical team in between her chemotherapy sessions on the Alaw Unit.
She said: “I think it’s fantastic how the health service is able to offer this type of technology for patients such as myself.
“Each day I get a little reminder to fill out the short questionnaire and it’s really easy to use.
“It asks me how I’ve slept, do I have any worrying symptoms – it makes me feel reassured that the team in the hospital are keeping an eye on me.
“I would encourage other patients to take part in this project as well; it’s been a great experience so far for me.”
Acute Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Dawn Griffiths, has been instrumental with the project in ensuring patients are trained to use the technology as well as gathering the data to be analysed by herself and a doctor.
She said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this technology for our patients.
“This means the patient can take ownership over their health and feel reassured that their condition is being monitored by ourselves in the hospital.
“Patient selection is important as they would need to be on active treatment and able to use this kind technology with good internet at home.
“We are also grateful to Awyr Las who have donated £5,000 towards this project which has allowed us to purchase a different type of watch which is easier for the patient to read.
“So far we have received good feedback from our patients who are part of this project and hope to recruit more as we go forward.”
Dr Elin Haf Davies, Chief Executive Officer at Aparito, added: “We are honoured and delighted to be collaborating with the team in Ysbyty Gwynedd to develop this solution.
“As the world becomes more digital, we strive to develop patient centric solutions to support their care. We look forward to continuing this work.”