Cardiac Care at Home
Patient information
What we do
Our service supports patients with heart conditions returning home from hospital, using remote monitoring and daily video calls.
Our team is made up of cardiac doctors, nurses and pharmacists who monitor heart health remotely after you are leave from hospital.
Who we care for
Cardiac Care at Home is for patients who have been admitted to hospital with a heart condition and can continue their recovery at home with support of the medical team.
You may be suitable for this program if your medical team believes you can be safely monitored outside of hospital with the help of team and remote technology.
What to expect
Using remote monitoring technology and daily video calls, our team will continue to support your recovery without you having to stay in hospital.
Each day you are on the program, you will:
- Have a video call with a member of your cardiac team
- Be monitored remotely at set times using a small wearable patch
- Have access to a 24-hour contact number if you or your carer has concerns
Most patients are supported on the program for 24 to 48 hours, depending on their clinical needs.
Your virtual cardiac nurse is available 8:30am – 4:00pm, seven days a week. Outside of these hours, calls are directed to the cardiac ward.
How to access this service
This service is not self-referred. Your treating team in hospital will assess whether Cardiac Care at Home is right for you and arrange your enrolment before you are discharged.
If you have been enrolled and have questions or concerns after going home, contact your virtual cardiac nurse during business hours.
If you need immediate help, please call 000.
Commonly asked questions
Patients receiving the service will wear a Biobeat Chest Monitor, which is a small, approved disposable patch placed on your chest before you leave hospital.
The device does the following:
- Connects to an app on your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth and mobile network
- Automatically sends your readings, like heart activity, blood pressure and temperature to your care team
- When wearing the device patients and their carers are still expected to call 000 in the event of emergency - the monitor does not replace this
- When on the service the virtual cardiac nurse is available 8:30am – 4:00pm, 7 days per week, outside of these hours your call will be directed to the cardiac ward
- If your condition changes or if you feel unwell patients must contact the virtual care nurse OR if they require immediate attention are advised to call 000 for an ambulance
- For all other non-urgent questions or concerns call the contact number during the day
Patients on the program and their carers are encouraged contact your cardiac nurse if you experience any of the following:
- Chest, arm, back, neck or jaw pain or discomfort
- Heart racing, pounding or fluttering (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Redness or irritation around your monitoring patch
- A fall
- Wound concerns such as redness, discharge, or wound opening
With a reminder to call 000 if they require immediate assistance.
- They will join you for the daily video call with the team
- Help with technology and daily tasks
- Help check symptoms (wound, weight, how you feel)
- Call the cardiac care team or 000 if things change
- Write down questions and concerns
Your carer is an important part of your recovery, and our team is here to support both of you
When your cardiac care at home is complete:
- Remove and dispose of the monitor as instructed
- A discharge summary is sent to your GP, including:
- details of your admission
- medication updates
- follow up arrangements
- You will receive information regarding follow up appointments
- You will need to return any loan equipment, including loan devices as directed