Philips Introduces ePatch and AI in Spanish Hospitals

Royal Philips has introduced its cutting-edge wearable ePatch and AI system for heart monitoring in a pilot program spanning 14 hospitals in Spain. This innovative technology marks a significant step in Philips' transition towards a healthcare-centric approach.

The ePatch, when paired with Philips' AI-driven Cardiologs analytics platform, is designed to monitor heart arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). It offers reliable data for up to 14 days of continuous monitoring, surpassing the capabilities of traditional Holter monitors by detecting arrhythmias that may have been missed previously.

AF, a condition that significantly elevates the risk of stroke, dementia, and heart failure, often goes undetected due to its subtle symptoms and sporadic occurrence intervals. The introduction of Philips' ePatch and AI system aims to address this gap in detection and provide timely interventions for patients at risk.

"The key advantage for healthcare professionals lies in its user-friendly interface and high-quality 14-day continuous recording capabilities," stated Dr. Jorge Pagola, a Neurologist Postdoctoral Researcher at University Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. The seamless integration of the ePatch with an analysis program enables swift examination of recordings, with AI-based assistance in classifying AF events for rapid review.

Furthermore, the implementation of the ePatch program has yielded tangible benefits in healthcare delivery. Dr. Pagola highlighted, "Using the ePatch program, we expedited hospital discharge for 80 patients in 2023, leading to reduced average length of stay, alleviated emergency room pressure, and an estimated total cost reduction of €28,800." This underscores the positive impact of Philips' technology on patient care and operational efficiency.

Aside from Hospital Vall d'Hebron, where the ePatch is utilized to detect post-discharge AF, pilot projects are underway in various specialties at major hospitals across Spain. These projects explore the device's efficacy in cardiology, neurology, and other areas, demonstrating its versatility in monitoring patients post-procedure or during specific studies.