by Laura Van Heel RN, BSN, CCDS. 

As more and more cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) become available, healthcare providers are seeking ways to improve patient outcomes and manage the plethora of information they receive on a daily basis. In order to transform these aspirations into impactful actions, meticulous planning, effective leadership, and technology must be incorporated.

Real World Scenario

In one heart center, three major challenges presented themselves at once, embodying the adage that difficulties often come in threes. These challenges included the implementation of new (CIED) database software, a shortage of personnel, and a transition in leadership with ambitious goals. Recognizing the need for change, the center set out to achieve sustained success despite the challenges ahead. 

Critical Issues

Two critical issues were identified:

1. The absence of a centralized and dedicated device database hindered efficiency. Consequently, the clinic was compelled to compile and upload reports to the main electronic medical record (EMR) system manually. This manual process consumed valuable time. 
2. The clinic faced leadership fluctuations while grappling with high turnover rates among personnel. This combination resulted in a lack of trained resources and strategic workflows to provide optimal patient care.

Solution

Faced with these challenges, the Heart Center recognized the necessity of change while prioritizing the well-being of its patients. To address these issues, the center collaborated with CV Remote Solutions to implement a new device database, streamline workflows, implement alert management strategies, and decrease the number of disconnected monitored patients.

The approach involved several essential steps:

1. The adoption of a dedicated CIED database in conjunction with CV Remote Solutions to manage remote patient monitoring.
2. Identification of crucial teams for alignment, including the device database team, CVRS team, and clinic director,
3. Collaborative efforts to facilitate the necessary changes included phasing out an existing manual system and seamlessly launching the new database.
4. Thorough discussions covering clinic IT readiness, go-live schedules, and comprehensive training regarding the new device software for physicians and key clinic staff.
5. Leveraging the existing relationship between CVRS and the database software company to streamline software implementation.
6. Regular communication from the clinic director to providers and staff keeping them informed of progress and gathering valuable input.

Guided by this shared vision, the teams worked in harmony, optimizing processes and personnel integration. Despite changes in leadership, the Cardiology Department, including the device clinic and remote services, remained efficiently managed. The absence of a dedicated device clinic team was mitigated by CVRS assuming the role of the remote monitoring team. Collaborative meetings continued, fortifying the relationship between CVRS and the center, ensuring patients’ needs were met and communication remained robust.

Results

Through this collective effort, tangible improvements were achieved:

1. A reduction of unproductive tasks by over 29%.
2. Implementation of evidence-based alert management protocols.
3. Decrease in disconnected monitor patients by 68%, and reconnection rate of 32%.
4. Increase in compliance with remote monitoring to over 90%.

This transformational journey undertaken by One Heart Center, alongside CV Remote Solutions, exemplifies the power of collaboration and proactive problem-solving in the face of complex challenges. The resultant enhancements underscore the potential for positive change when dedicated individuals and innovative solutions converge.

If interested in an evaluation of your device clinic workflow, productivity, and future capability, please contact CV Remote Solutions via our website, Free Evaluation – CV Remote Solutions.