Virtual Heart Function Clinic a ‘Lifesaver’ in Navigating Recovery Journey

When Lesley’s husband Dave first returned home after being admitted to the Cardiac Unit at the Oshawa Hospital, she was worried about the journey ahead.

“We began a bit of a scary journey coming home from the hospital,” recalled Lesley. “Dave was stable, but there were still a lot of questions moving forward.”

However, those worries quickly faded after being connected with Lakeridge Health’s Virtual Heart Function Clinic. This multidisciplinary clinic includes two nurse practitioners, a pharmacist, and cardiologists who provide patients and families with the treatment and strategies they need to manage their heart disease so they can improve their quality of life.

“We had nothing but a good experience with the clinic,” said Lesley. “It was a lifesaver.”

Working with Nurse Practitioner, Krista Dineley and Pharmacist, Susan Bowser, Dave and Lesley were able to address all of their concerns and outline a clear plan moving forward.

This entailed further assessment, treatment, and education, as well as setting up virtual home-monitoring equipment including a tablet and a Bluetooth enabled blood pressure monitor, scale, and pulse-oximeter, so that daily vital sign results were viewable to the team.

“Through daily self-monitoring and frequent reassessment calls or visits, our program can treat changes in patients’ health status and avoid readmission to hospital,” explained Krista.

“Being able to monitor Dave’s numbers at home and have someone watch over them has been great,” added Lesley. “When you pop into the doctor for just one appointment, it’s hard for them to identify if there’s been a change in pattern without monitoring over a long period of time. So, by monitoring consistently, things are easier to spot and address, and when Dave goes to see his cardiologist over in Port Perry, he’s already fully aware of what’s been going on because the numbers are passed on to him as well.”

Dave was also connected with additional supports and referrals, including an exercise program, thanks to the partnerships and referral services offered at the clinic. “Our partnerships with Durham Region Community Paramedicine, Home and Community Care Support Services, as well as referrals into regional programming, helps to ensure that patients and their care partners feel well supported,” noted Krista.

Since beginning the exercise program, Dave’s mobility and strength have improved week after week. “Prior to being admitted, Dave could barely cross the road,” said Lesley. “It was a gentle beginning, but Dave is now able to do a few laps around the track.” This progress is what Lesley calls “a huge milestone” in Dave’s recovery.

Dr. Sherali Rahim, Division Head, Cardiology, also notes the benefits of this unique virtual clinic in empowering patients to manage their heart disease independently. “Through education and the unique set of strategies and tools used at the clinic, we’re able to instill autonomy and confidence in our patients as they navigate their health journey,” explained Dr. Rahim. “With the added layer of remote biometric monitoring, we can track patient progress and intervene in real-time for patients with heart failure. This helps ensure their heart health is optimized, avoiding hospital admissions and keeping them feeling well. This enables them to live their lives knowing unwavering support is there when needed,” said Dr. Rahim.

Looking back, Lesley feels immense gratitude for those who supported them along the way, specifically the nurse practitioners. “I can’t say enough about the nurse practitioner role and their focus on the needs of the patient,” said Lesley. “Krista was there through all of it and made us feel like we weren’t on our own.”