​Getting Your Health Back On Track After A Heart Attack

Acute Myocardial Infarction: Allied Health-Oriented, Patient-Centred Technology-Enabled (AMI-HOPE) Programme

PULSE Issue 42 | February 2024

The days following a heart attack can be a scary, lonely journey for many patients, who may face an overwhelming range of emotions, such as confusion or worries and anxieties regarding their condition. They may also experience side effects from the medication they take. 

In patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), or more commonly known as heart attack, the early post-discharge is crucial for monitoring complications and adjusting medications to expedite heart muscle recovery. Although early post-discharge reviews are ideal, there are instances where the first follow-up appointment date may not be scheduled on time, due to lack of available slots or other unforeseen delays. 

Despite the recognition that the path to a healthier heart extends beyond the hospital, cardiac rehabilitation participation rates remain low at 15%, indicating a need for improved patient engagement during their transition to primary care. 

To allow earlier medical reviews for patients, NUHCS is taking the lead in a nationwide programme named Acute Myocardial Infarction: Allied Health-Oriented, Patient-centred and Technology-Enabled (AMI-HOPE). This 12-month subsidised heart attack recovery programme combines the power of digital health and the human touch to help patients recover faster. Streamlining a patient-centred journey, AMI-HOPE facilitates a smoother transition to primary care, and ensures close monitoring of patients’ well-being during the critical phase of heart muscle recovery. 

Redesigning the Care Pathway with Digital Technology

Using the dedicated Health Discovery Plus (HD+) mobile application, patients are nudged to take their Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) readings as directed. These collected data are shared with allied health professionals sited in primary care settings, such as polyclinic pharmacists, who can promptly reach out to patients within a week of discharge, effectively reducing their uncertainties during the recovery process.

To ensure timely follow-up for patients of the AMI-Hope programme, pharmacist clinicians will review the patient’s progress and offer outpatient follow-up care between doctor appointments. With their expertise, they are also able to adjust patient medications and order follow-up tests when necessary. At the same time, patients will receive alerts for abnormal readings, and access practical tips on managing their diet, wellness and lifestyle through the HD+ mobile application. This empowers post-heart attack patients to take greater ownership of their self-care in a non-intrusive way. By leveraging on technology and involving pharmacist clinicians with doctors in the care protocols, the AMI-HOPE model is poised to deliver more attentive care and mitigate potential delays in post-discharge follow-ups – leading to improved health outcomes, and ultimately save more lives through unlocking enhanced synergies in care.