Makkah Medical: Smartwatches enhance remote monitoring of heart patients

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, an active member of the Makkah Health Cluster, has achieved a remarkable medical and technological milestone by integrating wearable technologies into its healthcare system. The use of smartwatch technology, in direct integration with the Makkah Virtual Hospital (a branch of the Seha Virtual Hospital), has contributed to raising patient safety levels and improving quality of life, representing a significant leap forward in traditional treatment follow-up methods.

National context: Digital health and Vision 2030

This achievement comes within the context of the comprehensive healthcare transformation underway in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 goals, which places great emphasis on digital health and telemedicine. The virtual hospital, which this initiative is linked to, is the largest of its kind globally, leveraging artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies to deliver precise, specialized remote services. This facilitates access to healthcare for beneficiaries across various regions and reduces resource waste.

Study results: Figures reflecting efficiency

The medical city revealed the results of a three-month remote health monitoring program involving 40 cardiac patients. The trial proved highly successful in enhancing the early detection of critical cases through the continuous transmission of heart rate and rhythm readings to a specialized monitoring team. Data showed that 74% of the patients included in the study were classified as "high risk," meaning they had advanced heart failure, a category that typically requires intensive care due to their high likelihood of complications or the need for frequent hospitalization.

Accurate monitoring and early detection of risks

Medical reports indicate that smartwatches have enabled medical teams to detect subtle cardiac arrhythmias that were difficult to identify with traditional, infrequent monitoring. The detected conditions included:
– 15% extra heart rate;
– 13% atrial fibrillation (a major cause of stroke if left untreated);
– ​​3% non-sustained ventricular tachycardia.
This increased monitoring accuracy has allowed for a shift from a reactive approach to addressing complications to a proactive approach, enabling intervention before clinical deterioration.

Transforming data into treatment decisions

The initiative didn't just collect data; it translated it into concrete actions. Nurses, in collaboration with the medical team, led clinical interventions based on the collected data. Post-discharge outcomes resulted in:
– 35% virtual (remote) visits, saving patients the burden of travel.
– 28% emergency visits, most of which were early preventative interventions.
– Only 10% cardiac readmission, a low rate reflecting efficient follow-up.
– 8% planned admissions with pre-determined treatment decisions.

The future of cardiac care

This successful model underscores King Abdullah Medical City's commitment to establishing a smart, safe, and value-based healthcare system. These results pave the way for expanding the service to include other patient groups, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing pressure on emergency facilities, and ensuring patients remain under continuous observation in the comfort of their homes and among their families.