Website intended for a NZ health professional readership
Studies have associated the use of personal medical alarms with reduced requirements for hospital admission and fewer inpatient days compared with those living without such devices.11
New Zealand’s older adults have a strong desire to remain living in their own homes and communities, which can be fundamental to sustaining personal independence and social connection.1
Home environments foster connections with family, friends, and community members, which are essential for social support and mental wellbeing. Research indicates that for many older adults, the ability to stay independent ranks as a top priority when considering medical treatment decisions.2,3
However, acute medical events due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) can threaten seniors’ independence.4 A non-fatal heart attack or stroke can cause physical and/or cognitive disability that contributes to loss of independence.5,6
It is already well-understood that timely intervention is essential to reduce the effects of cardiovascular events. This is particularly relevant to adults aged over 65 years, who have the highest prevalence of heart attack, stroke and heart failure.4
Delayed treatment for patients experiencing exacerbation of their heart failure symptoms has been shown to increase the risk of rehospitalisation and mortality after discharge.7
Patients whose health status is diminished following either a heart attack, stroke, or the onset of heart failure, risk loss of functionality,8 and their ability to continue to live independently may be threatened. Acute and chronic post-stroke health status are especially undesirable, with the functional impact likely to involve cognitive and mobility impairments. The acute health state after a heart attack is also associated with reduced function. At least four in every ten survivors of a heart attack requiring hospitalisation experience clinically relevant declines in physical functioning in the year following the event.6
Causes of delayed treatment and not using emergency medical services after an acute cardiovascular event are targets for improvement interventions to shorten the time to medical treatment.9
This can be addressed by the use of a technological intervention such as a personal medical alarm, the potential value of which is highlighted by the finding that 63% of heart attacks in the home occur when no one else is present.10
Intervention strategies are recommended to reduce the pre-hospital delay so that medical care for CVD events is received within the therapeutic window, thereby likely improving clinical outcomes and the ability to live independently. A personal emergency response such as a medical alarm can be an appropriate solution to this need.
Incorporating a medical alarm into the care plans of older adults with CVD, or at risk of developing related conditions, can serve as an important inclusion in a comprehensive care plan to maintain their independence.
By providing a direct link to emergency services and expert care, these devices can facilitate a seamless response in critical moments, potentially averting more severe outcomes. Studies have associated the use of personal medical alarms with reduced requirements for hospital admission and fewer inpatient days compared with those living without such devices.11
Older adults who live independently are the typical users of a personal medical alarm. They are often more likely to consider such a device with a recommendation from their healthcare professional.11
Referring a St John Medical Alarm as part of the home care plan for your older patients provides them with 24/7 access to expert care and it is the only alarm that includes a direct link to Hato Hone St John. This can provide your patients with the reassurance and confidence to live independently knowing that timely intervention in case of a cardiovascular event or other acute health-related occurrence is just the press of a button away.
The referral process is straightforward using your Practice Management System via Healthlink or ERMS, giving your patients access to a FREE trial.
For more information please visit: stjohnalarms.org.nz/hcp
1. Davey J. “Ageing in Place”: The views of older homeowners on maintenance, renovation and adaptation. Soc Policy J N Z. 2006(27):128-41.
2. Festen S, et al. ‘What matters to you?’ Health outcome prioritisation in treatment decision-making for older patients. Age and Ageing. 2021;50(6):2264-9.
3. Fried TR, et al. Health outcome prioritization as a tool for decision making among older persons with multiple chronic conditions. Arch Intern Med. 2011;171(20):1854-6.
4. Ministry of Health. 2023. New Zealand Health Survey Annual Data Explorer (July 2021 to July 2022).
5. Capistrant BD, et al. Stroke-associated differences in rates of activity of daily living loss emerge years before stroke onset. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2013;61(6):931-8.
6. Dodson, John A, et al. Physical function and independence one year following myocardial infarction: observations from the TRIUMPH registry. Am Heart J. 2012;163(5):790-6.
7. Lin CY, et al. Delay in seeking medical care for worsening heart failure symptoms: predictors and association with cardiac events, Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2021;20(5):454-63.
8. Matza LS, et al. Acute and chronic impact of cardiovascular events on health state utilities. BMC Health Serv Res. 2015;15:173.
9. Lee SH, et al. Pre-hospital delay and emergency medical services in acute myocardial infarction. Korean J Intern Med. 2020;35(1):119-32.
10. Bray J, et al. The epidemiology of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Australia and New Zealand: A binational report from the Australasian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (Aus-ROC) 2022; Resuscitation. 172:74-83.
11. Stokke R. The personal emergency response system as a technology innovation in primary health care services: An integrative review. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(7):e187
A range of approaches is needed to manage mental health presentations. In this article, specialist GP Sophie Jadwiga Ball describes two tools that can be employed within a GP consultation and provides the evidence-based theory behind their use. She also presents numerous examples to demonstrate how you can apply these tools in practice
