Optimising Cardiology Ambulatory Care Pathways: A Comprehensive Approach to Admission Avoidance and Timely Intervention in a Post-Pandemic Healthcare Landscape.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are a substantial burden on healthcare systems, contributing significantly to avoidable hospital admissions. We propose a Cardiology Ambulatory Care Pathway. METHODS: Conducted a 1 month study redirecting admission streams from primary and emergency care, into a Cardiology Ambulatory Care Hub providing triage in Hot Clinic, and access to a Multi-Modal Testing Platform. RESULTS: 98 patients were referred to the Ambulatory Care Hub, 91 of which avoided admission. 52 patients received care in the cardiology hub, 38 of which required further testing. CONCLUSION: We successfully streamlined various service streams, reducing admissions, and improving patient outcomes. Outpatient CTCA, ambulatory ECG, and echocardiography proved instrumental. We project a cost saving of £53,379 per month in bed days (£640,556 annual saving).