Improving patient experience using innovative technology
At NHFT, research and innovation drive everything we do, and we work alongside our care teams to support continuous improvement across the Trust.
A great example of this is the recent trial of the KardiaMobile 6-Lead ECG device led by community mental health nurse, nurse prescriber, and advanced medical practitioner Rowena Rogers, who works within the Northamptonshire Service for the Treatment of Early Psychosis - N'Step team.
Part of Rowena's role is to complete monitoring for antipsychotic medication by obtaining a patient's ECG baseline before medication starts or if anything about dosage changes at any point. People receiving antipsychotic medication require regular ECG monitoring due to the risk of QTc (QT interval is a measurement on an ECG that shows how long it takes for the heart's ventricles to contract and then recover) prolongation and other cardiac issues.
Traditionally, patients need a standard 12-Lead ECG, which can be difficult to complete due to the need for undressing, cultural or religious modesty requirements, trauma histories, sensory sensitivities, use of sticky pads, cables, and privacy considerations. In addition, the limited availability of trained staff and logistical issues getting patients into clinic settings also made this type of ECG more challenging for all involved.
Rowena sought to make this process easier for patients by applying to our Trust Innovation Fund to purchase 15 AliveCor KardiaMobile devices. The KardiaMobile device provides a less intrusive, quicker, and more portable option, which was hoped would increase ECG uptake and improve adherence to clinical guidelines.
An evaluation study has been published in the Open Journal of Psychiatry summarising results from March 2024 - March 2025. The study explored its effectiveness, usability, and impact when used within an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service.
Key outcomes of the study included that:
- the likelihood of ECGs being completed increased sharply during the KardiaMobile pilot phase
- the odds of an ECG not being completed were 94% lower compared with the pre-pilot period
- there was improved compliance with clinical guidance
- the device provides more efficient, flexible, and responsive care
- there was an improved ability to monitor patients who cannot or will not attend clinic appointments
- carrying out ECGs in this way reduced barriers linked to trauma, culture, and privacy
Staff also strongly endorsed the device due to:
- its portability and being easy to take on home visits or community settings
- how much time is saved per appointment
- the ease of sharing results quickly via email/PDF
- how it increased patient engagement
- the ability for more staff to conduct ECGs
From a patient perspective, 100% of patients said it was easy to use and described it as: simple, quick, comfortable, less intrusive, and they much preferred it to the 12-Lead. As there is no need for undressing or sticky pads, it reduces embarrassment and improves dignity.
Overall, the introduction of the KardiaMobile 6-Lead ECG has significantly enhanced ECG completion rates, improved patient experience, and increased staff efficiency within the EIP service. A great example of making the quality of our care better using a technological innovation. While not a replacement for the 12-Lead ECG - which is still used for baselines and complex cases - it acts as a useful additional tool for ongoing monitoring, dose changes, and situations where traditional ECGs are difficult to obtain.
Use of these devices has become business as usual within N'Step, and this will continue moving forward as patients significantly prefer these to the 12-lead ECG.
Find out more about the KardiaMobile 6-Lead ECG from Rowena in the video below.