A new generation of ambulatory ECG patch monitors is being introduced across NHS Scotland to speed up the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
The lightweight, wireless devices are worn on the skin like a plaster for up to 14 days, including during everyday activities such as exercise and showering. They provide continuous, high-quality data that can be analysed remotely by clinicians, offering a more accurate and patient-friendly alternative to traditional Holter monitors, which are bulkier, require in-person fitting, and are typically worn for only three days.
The patches have been in use for the past two years within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), where they have supported faster and more accurate diagnosis of AF, a condition linked to one in four ischaemic strokes. Evidence from this early adoption shows that the devices can be up to four times more effective at identifying AF than existing methods, while reducing the average diagnosis and treatment pathway from up to two years to around three weeks.
NHSGGC Consultant cardiologist Dr Faheem Ahmad said: “The introduction of the ECG patch has been a game-changer for both patients and clinicians. We’re now able to diagnose atrial fibrillation more quickly and accurately, which means we can start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of serious complications like stroke.”
The rollout is supported through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway, led by the NHS Golden Jubilee’s Centre for Sustainable Delivery and funded by the Chief Scientist Office. It is expected that around 8,000 patients across Scotland will benefit from the technology each year.
The announcement was marked by a visit from Health Secretary Neil Gray to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he met clinicians and others involved in the programme.
