P157 PROJECT PROXIMITY: APPLICATION OF TELEMEDICINE IN THE SECONDARY PREVENTION OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

Abstract

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in European countries despite advances in treatment. Lifestyle changes and medication adherence are crucial to prevent recurrences. Telemedicine initiatives represent an innovative tool to support clinicians. Objective of the Work Evaluation of the telemedicine project "Proximity" on the improvement of medication adherence, reduction of re–hospitalisation, improvement of lifestyle and health education after hospital discharge. Materials and Methods Patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome from the Cardiology Department of the "U. Parini" Hospital in Aosta from August 2022 were consecutively enrolled, after obtaining informed consent. A Care Management Centre consisting of a social media manager and a nurse has been set up. Patients adhering to the project are provided electronically with information material on the disease, correct drug intake and lifestyle. Adherence and tolerance to therapy is investigated and assistance is offered in booking check–ups. In some cases, a telemonitoring kit is delivered to record and share vital parameters with the operators. Results A total of 24 patients were enrolled: 77% male, mean age 64 years and mean ejection fraction 52%. Patients were proposed to achieve an average of 3/5 goals including smoking cessation, weight loss, increased compliance with therapy, nutrition education and increased physical activity. On average, patients achieved 60% of the required goals. In 27% of the patients, early symptoms such as falling or rising blood pressure values, increased heart rate, creatinine value, changes in liver function, bleeding, dyspnoea at rest were identified. In 8% of the cases, the cardiologist or general practitioner had to be contacted to solve clinical problems. In 25% of the cases, the discharge therapy was changed. No patient abandoned the project. No patient was re–hospitalised. Conclusions The analysis of the preliminary results of the "Proximity" project supports the use of telemedicine initiatives in the follow–up of patients hospitalised for acute coronary syndrome.