Handheld ECG device pilot
GMMH Innovation is running a pilot of a handheld 6-lead ECG device in selected services to support monitoring the physical health of people who take antipsychotics.
About this project
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH)'s Innovation team is running a pilot of a handheld 6-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device in selected services. The device supports timely cardiac monitoring for adult patients receiving antipsychotic medication, particularly where a 12-lead ECG is declined or delayed.
Why is this important?
People with mental health problems have been shown to be at greater risk of physical ill health and lower life expectancy for many reasons, including smoking, alcohol and substance misuse, lifestyle, and uptake and provision of physical health care. Antipsychotic medication needed for wellbeing can considerably add to these risks and support and monitoring is important.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart, including the rate and rhythm. It's usually quick and painless. It is often recommended before and whilst a person takes antipsychotic medication.
There is a high number of service users who refuse to get an 12-lead ECG in the hospital. Some people tell us they decline it because they feel it is distressing. Studies show that 16% of patients in the Physical Health Team at North View alone reject the 12-lead ECG when receiving antipsychotic treatment. Refusals such as these can result in 'treating blind' which can increase the risk of QT prolongation.
A handheld 6-lead ECG device allows clinicians to perform rapid point-of-care ECG recordings to support safer prescribing decisions. It is less intrusive and quick to collect the readings.
About the device
The device is the AliveCor KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG device. It records a 30-second ECG, can detect QT prolongation and common arrhythmias, and generates a secure PDF for clinical review.
It may be considered:
- when a 12-lead ECG is refused
- when urgent QT monitoring is required
- as additional monitoring alongside standard pathways
It does not replace the need for a 12-lead ECG in some patients.
This device has the following governance and safety accreditations:
- CE‑marked medical device
- NICE‑recommended (2023)
- Used in other NHS mental health services
- Clinical Safety review and report has been developed collaboratively with clinicians involved.
- Approved by GMMH Information Governance
ECG interpretation remains the responsibility of trained clinicians.
What are you doing in this pilot?
GMMH's Innovation team is running a 12-month pilot of the handheld ECG device. We are looking for GMMH staff on particular services to be trained in using the device, identify suitable service users and perform ECGs with the device.
We want to hear feedback from service users and staff so that we can evaluate its safety and usefulness, understand any impact on workflow, and help inform us about whether this device could be used in other services in the Trust.
The pilot will take place in the following services:
- North View (purple)
- Atherleigh Park (red)
- Salford Older Adults Community Team (blue)
- Woodlands Hospital (yellow)
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