Ambulatory Electrocardiogram Recording - FOI Response Register

FoI Number
2023-595
Subject
Ambulatory Electrocardiogram Recording
Date Received
05/01/2024
Request and Response

I am requesting information on your Trust's usage of ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Holter monitors and associated software for analysis reporting.

Specifically, could you please provide answers to the following questions?

  1.  Does the Trust use ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Holter monitors? (Yes or No) 

Yes

(i) If "Yes" then which make and models are currently in use and how many of each are currently deployed? 

SpaceLabs LifeCard CF Monitors - 20, SpaceLabs Eclipse Pro monitors - 5

 

(ii) If "No" then does the Trust intend to implement ambulatory electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Holter monitoring in the near future? (Yes or No) 

  1. Does the Trust use software to read EDF reports? If ""Yes"" then which vendor(s) are used?

SpaceLabs

  1. Does the Trust use an external ECG Interpretation Provider? If ""Yes"" then which vendor(s) are used?

No

  1. How many ambulatory electrocardiogram ECG readings does the Trust perform each year?  

Approximately 600

  1. What is the split of the ambulatory ECG reading volumes in question 5, by length of recording? (e.g. 24hr, 48h, 72h, 7-day, 14-day) 

Approximately: >65% 24hr and 48 hr, <10% 72hr, >25% 7 day, <1% 14 day

  1. In what environment are the ambulatory ECG Holters fitted? (e.g. secondary care, community diagnostic centre [CDC], primary care)

90% secondary care, mainly Cardiology Department, some on the Wards in the Hospital. 10% Community Health Centres

  1. What is your preferred buying method for these devices? (e.g. Direct, Supply Chain, Other) 

Directly sourced from manufacturer or hospital Medical Physics supply chain.

  1. How much did the Trust pay for its currently deployed ECG Holter devices and software (per device), and what costs are associated with maintenance, such as battery replacement, servicing etc?

Devices new approximately £1200 - £1500 per unit.  Replacement backs / cables £100 each, Sentinel Software Licence > £300 per annum. Batteries - £400 per annum

  1. Does the Trust have service contracts for the currently deployed ambulatory ECG devices? If so, how much is this per annum for the different brand of devices by vendor(s)?

No

  1. How many ambulatory ECG monitors did the Trust purchase in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 per make and model of Holter monitor?

5 x Eclipse Pro Monitors and Accessories in 2023

  1. What is the Trust's wait time for ambulatory ECG Holter Fittings and ECG reporting?  

Fitting < 2 months. Analysis / Reporting < 4 to 6 weeks

  1. Is the Trust meeting their targets for ambulatory ECG recording volumes and patient waiting times? (Yes or No)

Yes

  1. What are the Trusts biggest challenges for cardiology ECG ambulatory recordings?

Fitting and Processing the volume of requests, sometimes not enough devices available at one given time if a lot of the 7 day Holters have been allocated.

  1. Is the Trust considering purchasing any new ambulatory ECG Holter monitors? For replacement of old devices, broken devices, or needing more equipment?

Yes, when budgets allow.  Hoping to phase out the battery operated Lifecard models for more of the rechargeable Eclipse Pro models

  1. Who is the Trust's senior electrophysiologist or cardiology manager and what are their contact details? (Name, position, email, telephone)

Sean Thuis, Principal Cardiac Physiologist.

Sean.Thuis@nhs.scot

01595 743053