Imperial College launches AI-powered remote monitoring for heart failure

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has teamed up with remote healthcare innovator Luscii to provide heart failure patients with the ability to self-monitor vitals at home.

Typically, heart failure patients require close monitoring of a number of vitals, as well as advice, guidance and medication from specialist nurses. Hospital attendance for some can be tricky, while the pandemic has meant minimising hospital visits for patient safety.

However, the Luscii platform is an AI-powered ‘clinical engine’ and has been designed to spot early warning signs of any patient deterioration, alerting medical staff who can then triage the situation and provide support or resources.

This means patients requiring close monitoring can now carry out regular checks on their weight, blood pressure and general condition – all from the comfort of their own home, thanks to the technology. Additionally, the technology can also ensure that outpatients are on optimal medications.

For the initial phase ,the Luscii platform was rolled out to a specific cohort of patients; those who have had multiple in-hospital visits over a 2-3 month period.

Dr Carla Plymen, cardiology consultant and heart failure lead at the trust, said: “Our ability to monitor and consistently engage with patients through this technology is one that I can already see will have significant benefits to patients and those of us charged with their care.

“Having daily vitals data and regular questionnaires come directly from each patient at home, offers us a far better chance of detecting early symptoms of deteriorating health which we can act on. Likewise, having advice and guidance that’s easily accessible by patients at home via the app facilitates improved self-care and increases quality of life.”