7 “You enabled me to keep my independence” Hundreds of patients have now experienced the benefits of the atrial fibrillation (AF) virtual ward pathway. AF is a heart rhythm disturbance, known as an arrhythmia, which affects more than 1.4 million people in the UK, with more than 15% of those aged 75 and above. People with arrhythmias like AF suffer from a lower quality of life and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke. The RFL’s AF virtual ward pathway was launched in May 2023 with the aim of reducing the risk of strokes, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and improving quality of life for patients. Patients are referred to the pathway via emergency services. All referrals are triaged by arrhythmia nurses and within three working days a patient is contacted to arrange a virtual assessment. Patients admitted to the AF virtual ward are also fasttracked for additional cardiac investigations if needed and benefit from regular check-ins and consultations over the phone. During consultations, patients’ symptoms, lifestyle, and risk factors are reviewed and the information is used to adjust treatment plans and medication dosages, ensuring they receive optimal and timely care. After six weeks on the virtual ward patients are referred back into the care of their GP with their personal treatment plan. Jennifer Nash, 74, from Enfield, shared her experience of being on the AF virtual pathway. She said: “I went to Barnet Hospital’s emergency department with chest pains. When I explained my symptoms, I was given an ECG, then a blood test and given a diagnosis of AF. “I was never admitted to hospital, instead the team checked in on me by telephone several times while I remained in the comfort of my own home. They were all lovely and I felt looked after. I much preferred having I remained in the comfort of my own home “ “ L-R: Ranjini Shanthakumar, cardiovascular operations manager and Rachel Brady, clinical practice group programme manager virtual appointments to having to go into hospital because it enabled me to keep my independence.” Erik Witt, ED consultant at BH, said: “The new pathway has allowed for smoother and faster discharge planning for patients presenting to the ED with their first episode of AF.” Tukayana Quaresma, who leads the cardiac nurse specialist team, said: “The AF virtual ward pathway is contributing to improved patient health outcomes by leveraging remote technology and specialised care.” Ranjini Shanthakumar, RFL cardiovascular operations manager, said: “Since introducing the new approach to care a total of 375 patients have been on it. While approximately a third of those patients are still admitted to hospital, we have succeeded in preventing 730 days of unnecessary hospital admissions, improved the quality of life of our patients and realised savings of more than £130,000.” Cardiovascular
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