Five studies showed the impact of digital engagement tools, arrhythmia patterns during sleep and activity, and the economic potential of early arrhythmia detection for patients with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and COPD. The results were presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions.
“These new findings underscore iRhythm’s commitment to rigorous scientific evidence,” said iRhythm Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and EVP of Product Innovation Mintu Turakhia. “Our data demonstrates the significant health economic benefits of early arrhythmia detection in often-overlooked conditions like diabetes and COPD, highlights greater patient engagement through our patient-centered digital tools that complement our services, and reveals distinct arrhythmia patterns associated with sleep and activity.”
Two studies demonstrated how digital health interventions, such as smartphone apps and text messaging, enhance patient compliance and satisfaction. Two other studies explored arrhythmias in relation to sleep and physical activity. A retrospective analysis highlighted the cost burden of undetected arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes and COPD.
Digital engagement tools improve patient compliance and satisfaction
Two studies explored the impact of digital health tools on patient compliance and satisfaction, showing how innovations in patient engagement could enhance outcomes.
One study assessed the effect of the MyZio smartphone app and text notifications on patient compliance. Among 169,131 patients, those who used both digital tools achieved a compliance rate of 94.8%, significantly higher than the 74.6% compliance rate among patients who did not use digital interventions.
iRhythm said these tools proved particularly effective in encouraging device activation, continuous use, and timely return of the Zio monitor.
The second study highlighted the value of patient feedback in product development. Drawing on surveys from more than 300,000 patients, the research compared satisfaction levels between the original Zio monitor and a redesigned model with improved features, such as a thinner profile, waterproof housing, and more breathable adhesive.
According to iRhythm, the updated monitor received a 14% higher comfort rating, demonstrating the importance of patient-centered design enhancements in wearable devices.
Insights into arrhythmia patterns during sleep and activity
Another two studies focused on the ability of the Zio system to monitor arrhythmias during sleep and physical activity, offering insights that could inform personalized care.
One study developed and validated an algorithm to classify sleep and activity patterns using accelerometry data from the Zio monitor. In a clinical trial with 81 participants, the algorithm demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to FDA-cleared actigraphy devices, according to iRhythm.
This capability allows the system to provide detailed information on patient wellness patterns and offers new choices for personalized health monitoring.
Another study analyzed data from nearly 24,000 patients to quantify the occurrence of arrhythmias during different activity states. Researchers found that certain arrhythmias, such as pauses and third-degree heart block, were more likely to occur during sleep. Ventricular tachycardia was more prevalent during periods of activity.
These findings highlight the potential of LTCM devices to provide contextual insights into arrhythmia occurrences, which could help clinicians tailor management strategies to individual patients, iRhythm said.
The economic impact of early arrhythmia detection
The final study presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions this year examined the healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes and COPD.
Using a retrospective analysis of claims data, researchers found that patients with undiagnosed arrhythmias incurred significantly higher annual healthcare costs, driven by increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
For example, annual costs for diabetes patients with arrhythmias reached $34,171, compared to $18,687 for those without arrhythmias. Similar trends were observed among COPD patients, whose costs averaged $37,719 annually when arrhythmias were present, compared to $25,656 for those without.
iRhythm said the study underscored the potential of early detection to reduce acute care utilization and associated expenses. By identifying arrhythmias sooner, devices like the Zio monitor could help prevent complications and lead to better outcomes and lower costs.
