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What you should know:
– Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute today launched the latest solution to its care platform, a comprehensive program to support patients living with or at risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF).
– Built in collaboration with Health Historya digital health company transforming the delivery of specialty care, the new program offers healthcare organizations a comprehensive approach that engages patients between clinic visits.
Revolutionizing Atrial Fibrillation Care: The Complete Story Health Program for Better Outcomes
The Story Health AFib program is a comprehensive solution encompassing all aspects of accessible, evidence-based care for AFib. This includes symptom management, expedited treatment, stroke prevention and ongoing patient support.
Although it is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, often occurring at the same time as conditions such as heart failure and hypertension, increasing significantly increase the risk of stroke. Research indicates that atrial fibrillation contributes to approximately 20 to 30 percent of the most common types of stroke, especially in older patients.
Although evidence-based guidelines outline standard care for atrial fibrillation, there are significant variations and disparities in treatment, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Story Health's AFib program addresses these challenges by seamlessly integrating with health systems' clinical teams, ensuring patients remain engaged in their care regimen between clinic visits. This program uses a virtual, asynchronous care model supported by a technology platform and experienced health coaches who help patients overcome barriers, including social determinants of health.
The main capabilities of the Story Health AFib program provide personalized support at different stages of the disease:
1. Rapid treatment optimization: support lifestyle modifications, monitor and adjust medications for atrial fibrillation and comorbidities, and identify candidates for procedures such as ablations.
2. Health data collection and monitoring: Analysis of ECG and atrial fibrillation-specific symptom data to inform care plan adjustments integrated into the health system's EHR.
3. Active support from specialized health coaches: Act as care coordinators, guiding multidisciplinary care and reducing clinical workload by accompanying patients between visits.
Story Health has established itself as a leading digital health partner in specialty care. The launch of the AFib program complements the company's existing cutting-edge programs, which have already revolutionized cardiology care at many prestigious healthcare organizations, benefiting tens of thousands of patients across the country.
After its initial implementation at Saint Luke's, the Story Health AFib program will be gradually rolled out to select health system clients over the coming months.
“Atrial fibrillation presents significant health risks to our patients, and each patient deserves continued support, whether or not they are in one of our facilities,” said Sanjaya Gupta, MD, a cardiologist at Mid America Heart Institute at Saint Luke's. “While the demands of today's healthcare system may make it difficult to deliver on this promise, this collaboration with Story Health is an incredible opportunity to create a digital health program from the ground up that extends both the reach of our clinicians and elevates the scope of our care. overall level of care we provide.