A combined digital and organizational approach dramatically improves access to outpatient care in cardiology

Abstract We have previously shown that digital preconsultation saves medical time and may improve outcome. But waiting times for a cardiology consultation are still growing mainly due to chronic diseases, aging and a growing demand for prevention. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the impact of a combined approach using digital tools and a novel outpatient team organization on access to care, in real life Methods We implemented a full digital solution and a dedicated team in a new outpatient cardiology center (Figure). The organization was schematically divided in five parts: (1) digital PRECONSULTATION completed by the patient with an assistant and nurse support if necessary; (2) digital AI-NALYSIS of this data with a trained nurse validation to define the risk level; (3) Medical CONSULTATION either physical or using teleconsultation; (4) RESULTS: directly accessible to the patient and his GP; (5) FOLLOW-UP if relevant mainly based on digital tools and trained nurses. Activity was monitored for 9 months. The following parameters were measured: waiting time (from demand to consultation); medical efficiency (number of consultations/hour of work); patient overall satisfaction Results 2867 consultations were performed between April and December 2019, with a waiting time of 4.3±1.6 days (compared to a national average of 61 days). Efficiency averaged 2.3 patients/hour. Patient satisfaction averaged 4.84 over 5. In addition, 160 possible consultations in the emergency room were avoided (mainly mild palpitations and non-cardiac chest pain) Conclusion A specific digital platform and a dedicated medical team and organization improved the access to care and the medical efficiency. We believe this is a promising way to decrease the demand burden in the emergency room, to decrease the professional burnout risk and to improve prevention. Figure 1. A Phygital care path Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Cardioparc, Izycardio