iPhone app aims to reduce MI readmissions
A new app hopes to reduce readmissions for MI by allowing patients to track medications, future appointments and lifestyle changes. It was unveiled at last week’s American College of Cardiology Cardiovascular Summit in Las Vegas and aims to reduce readmissions for those who already experienced myocardial infarction (MI).
Dubbed “Corrie,” the app is the first cardiology-focused application for the Apple CareKit platform.
“We have found there are many gaps in care in patients recovering from a heart attack,” said lead author William Yang, MD, a resident in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, in a Feb. 22 statement. “We wanted to engage patients in their own care and help them transition from the hospital to home using existing technology.”
Johns Hopkins researchers followed 60 patients who agreed to use the app in the hospital and for 30 after discharge. Just two patients were readmitted in 30 days, compared to 19 percent of MI patients readmitted at Johns Hopkins.
“We’re really encouraged by the results so far,” Yang said.
The researchers cited two patients realized they didn’t have stent cards after the app had asked if they had one. In all, researchers estimated the reduce readmissions saved $262,500 in penalties.
“‘Corrie’ is a prescription-strength app we are deploying in the hospital,” Yang said. “It is intended to make a difference while in the hospital, where patients are engaged the most, have the most time, with their family at their bedside, and pre-discharge planning is possible.”
The team is looking to expand access to the app.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.