ARRHYTHMIAS
In March 2005 the Department of Health launched an additional chapter
of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease entitled
'Chapter Eight: Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death'.
The new Chapter
of the National Service Framework provides a framework detailing quality
requirements alongside markers of good practice for implementation.
<CLICK
HERE> to access a copy of the NSF.
In order to get a clear picture of what services are being provided for arrhythmia patients, the network has funded a 4 month project to map services against Chapter 8 requirements. Please click on the PDF icon  to view the Chapter 8 Baseline Assessment.
In January this year the Cardiac Networks Device Survey Group
published its ‘Review of pacemaker and ICD implantation practice
in 2004 and 2005.’ The study showed that this network’s
new pacemaker rate remains above the national average, as is the
CRT implant rate. However the results raised a number of concerns,
including the fact that the variation in device implantation rates
in different PCT catchment areas is 24.4%. PCTs with particularly
low pacing and ICD implantation rates are Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham,
Ealing and Brent. The complete study is available from the network
on request.
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 Across the network Trusts are working hard to deliver innovative new services
to meet the needs of this group of patients. Four arrhythmia BHF nurses have
been appointed, and are engaged in supporting arrhythmia patients pre and
post procedure, and in running their own clinics. New consultant appointments
at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (Hammersmith) and at The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust will
increase capacity further. Full results of the study will be made available
in April 2007.
Over the past 3 months the network has developed the arrhythmia traffic light system. It is a simple tool designed to support the diagnosis, triage and referral of arrhythmia patients presenting within primary care. The system has proved extremely successful in South East London, where it has been in use for over a year.
When a patient with suspected arrhythmia presents within primary care,
the traffic light system can be used to guide the treatment decision.
Patients are categorised as 'red', 'amber', or 'green', depending on
their symptoms, and the referral pathway for each group is outlined on
page one. More detailed clinical guidance can be found on the second
page along with the NICE stroke risk algorithm. The traffic light system
is intended as a guide only, and is not therefore exhaustive; naturally
clinical judgement remains key in deciding on the patients management.
Please click on the PDF icon to view the Traffic Light System
The network ran a GP arrhythmia awareness day, on April
24th. As part of a comprehensive programme, expert speakers
from across the sector talked about treatment options and referral
pathways for arrhythmia patients.
To view presentations from this event please
<CLICK
HERE>.
Review
of Pacemaker & ICD implantation practice 2003
and 2004
Review
of Pacemaker & ICD implantation practice 2004
and 2005
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