The cardiology team at Austin Health in Melbourne have started a Pacemaker Car Park Clinic after a worrying drop off in patients with cardiac rhythm devices attending for annual check ups.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 40% decrease in implantable cardiac device checks, the Cardiac Diagnostics team noted, with only 155 checks performed in June 2020 compared to 260 during the same period in 2019.
The team therefore set up a drive through clinic for pacemaker checks, which started operating in a cordoned off area of the B1 level of the Austin Hospital car park in September.
“Implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators need to be regularly checked using a specialised programmer to ensure they are functioning correctly,” says Jo McKenna, Chief Cardiac Physiologist.
“The batteries in these devices have a lifecycle of 5–15 years and need to be replaced before they reach end of life.”
“The drive-through clinic will enable patients to come to the hospital and have their implantable cardiac device checked without leaving their car,” she said
“It will help alleviate fears for patients who are concerned about coming into the hospital. It will also help with social distancing in our department and decrease the foot traffic through the hospital.”
Hospital emergency departments and outpatient clinics have reported an alarming drop off in patients attending for both acute and chronic conditions, with institutions such as the Victor Chang Institute urging patients to continue to see their healthcare provider, even if through telehealth.