Cutting Through the Noise: Effective Strategies for Loop Recorder Monitoring Management

Are you a cardiology device clinic nurse struggling with the overwhelming amount of data coming from implantable loop recorders (ILRs or “loops”)? You’re not alone.

Many of the alerts generated by these devices are not clinically significant and can distract you from focusing on alerts and patients that need your attention. In fact, clinics with 1000 connected loop patients spend an estimated 626 hours each year processing non-actionable loop reports. That’s a lot of time wasted!

To help you reduce unnecessary alerts from your loop recorder monitoring, here are three steps you can implement:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s programming recommendations:

Manufacturers of loop monitoring devices provide programming information to help optimize their use. These algorithms help reduce over and underselling, allowing the devices to deliver the most accurate alerts possible. Be sure to check these recommendations during clinic visits to ensure they are being followed.

2. Select the appropriate alerts and episode parameters for the patient:

Manufacturers have begun to create pre-set alert groups based on implant indication, allowing you to select the reason for the loop implant and capture only the pertinent episode types. Double-check that the episodes enabled and disabled for the implant indication pre-set feel appropriate to your patient.

3. Educate your patients:

Make sure your patients understand their loop recorder, how it’s monitoring works, and why they have it. Explain how it automatically stores the episodes that meet the criteria you have set in the device and talk through how to keep the app active or the monitor plugged in.

By implementing these steps, you can reduce the volume of non-actionable loop reports, avoid alert fatigue in staff, and keep your focus on critical patient data.

Interested in learning how Vector can Eliminate Your Clinic’s Loop Recorder Alert Burden?

Download our “Simplify Your Clinic’s Loop Recorder Alert Burden” Guide or contact our team directly to start talking about how we can positively impact your program.