WakeMed is pleased to have recently introduced a new pilot program designed to support our heart surgery patients through their recovery with the use of a wearable health tracker device (FitBit Inspire HR activity tracker). The program, funded by The Duke Endowment, is known as Perfect Care.
Using mobile app technology, it supports recent heart surgery patients for 90 days after their procedure by tracking their resting heart rate, steps, sleep, blood pressure and weight, and by facilitating weekly video visits to check in.
The goal is to help our care team keep a close watch on surgery patients’ physical, mental and social health throughout recovery. It also allows patients to message their WakeMed Heart & Vascular care team through the app.
As simple as wearing a watch and downloading an app, this program offers peace of mind for recent surgery patients following this major life event. Patients will also need to weigh themselves daily, upload photos of their surgical incision, and complete routine assessment surveys using the app. The WakeMed Heart & Vascular team is available to support patients in getting set up with the program, and learning how to use the technology.
When the team told me I needed to wear a FitBit after surgery, I was reluctant,“ explains triple bypass surgery patient Quentin Kenney. “I thought ‘this is not my gig, but I guess I’ll give it a try.’”
A month after surgery, Quentin and his wife, Ann, are very thankful for the technology. “Perfect Care saved us at least one trip to urgent care, and maybe more. By messaging our care team, we were able to get Quentin put on Lasix to reduce swelling after surgery, and to get antibiotics to help prevent infection of his incision – all without leaving the comfort of home,” Ann relates.
Quentin concludes: “While I was hesitant about the technology, it’s been helpful. Seeing a provider over the computer and getting the medications we needed remotely sure beats going into the office when you’re recovering from surgery.“
This article is a reprint from Heart to Heart Magazine. See the latest issue.
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