iRhythm Technologies

Updated 8 August 2022

IRhythm Technologies is an independent service based in Bagshot, Surrey. It supplies ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring products and services to a variety of healthcare services. ECG’s are a clinical investigation that diagnoses heart arrhythmias and forms the basis of medical diagnosis for a range of conditions. The service supplies easy to use ECG monitors which are sent by post to hospitals or clinics where healthcare professionals are trained to fit the devices. Staff are available for help and support to all customers through patient support lines. ECG analysis of the monitor’s data is completed by trained clinical physiologists who create reports that are shared with the patient’s nominated medical professional who would typically be prescribing the ECG. The service runs from one location in the United Kingdom but also operates internationally in the United States of America (USA).

The service is registered to provide the following regulated activities:

• Diagnostic and screening processes

The service was registered with the Care Quality Commission in April 2020. This is the first time we have inspected this service. IRhythm technologies is an international organisation with five offices. Four of the offices are in the USA in San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and San Diego. The UK location has 46 members of staff. Staff work both remotely and face to face. The manufacture and clinical operations teams of the wider company are based at the USA.

Updated 8 August 2022

We have not rated this service before. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service-controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good care records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them.
• Staff provided good care. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and had access to good information. Key services were available five days a week.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of local people, took account of patients’ individual needs, and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it and did not have to wait for treatment.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients and the community to plan and manage services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

However:

• The service should ensure that recruitment documents are accessible and complete for all staff employed at the location.

Updated 8 August 2022