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A new wearable device is being used for patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to help detect those at risk of a stroke, diagnose Atrial Fibrillation, and improve waiting times for treatment.

The mobile adhesive electrocardiogram (ECG) patch, called Zio XT, is worn by stroke patients for up to 14 days to record their heart rhythm to reveal potential causes of stroke.

The stroke team at Worcestershire Royal Hospital apply the small, lightweight patch to a patient’s chest where it reads and analyses their heart’s electrical activity using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Unlike with previous devices, patients using the new Zio XT patch can go about their daily activities almost as normal – even able to exercise and shower – and can remove the device themselves without needing to return to hospital.

Stroke is the fourth highest cause of death in the UK, with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) contributing to one in five strokes and more likely to cause greater disability or death than non-AF-related strokes. However, a third of those with AF don’t experience any symptoms, with many only aware they have the condition after a stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA – often referred to as a “mini stroke”).

The Zio XT patch can help identify Atrial Fibrillation more accurately by providing data faster and in greater detail, allowing oral anticoagulant therapy treatment to begin sooner which can reduce the risk of stroke by two thirds.

More than 100 of the new, wearable ECG devices have now been fitted at Worcestershire Royal Hospital as part of a six-month trial, with patient feedback being extremely positive.

David Gisbourne from Evesham was one of the first patients to be fitted with the new mobile ECG patch to test for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) after he had a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).

He said: “It was very straightforward to put on and remove. It didn’t affect my sleep and it really wasn’t inconvenient at all – most of the time I had completely forgotten I’d got it on. The stroke team were excellent with me and explained everything thoroughly. The care they have given me has been exemplary.”

After patients finish wearing the device, the ECG recordings are analysed using an algorithm created by Artificial Intelligence and overseen by cardiographic technicians. A full report is then supplied to the stroke team for final analysis and interpretation, usually within four days of patients finishing wearing the device.

Consultant and Stroke Services Clinical Lead, Dr Girish Muddegowda said: “We’ve fitted around 100 of these devices now which has significantly improved the experience for our patients. The device has an improved overall accuracy and helps to reduce duplication of clinic appointments which makes it very cost effective. The time patients have to wait for investigation and treatment has also improved as a result of the new patches.”

Ward Manager of the Acute Stroke Unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Sanjula Dhungana added: “We’ve been using the new Zio device for stroke patients for a few months and it’s really helped us put patients first by getting their results more quickly and accurately. When we fit these for patients, they’re provided with a feedback survey which helps us to improve the experience and outcomes for future patients.”

The feedback survey given to patients who have worn the ECG devices has seen an overwhelmingly positive response, with patients reporting that they were able to go about their normal activity, saying the device was comfortable to wear, and that they would wear the patch again in future should they need to.