1. CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: John N. Hill
A/Prof, MBBS, CertAvMed, FRACP, FCSANZ, FHRS, DDU
Date of Birth: 1 July 1959
Marital Status: Married - May 1985 to Deborah Marie
3 children - Sean, born 1987
- Christopher, born 1993
- Cailin, born 2000
Interests: Tennis, cars, aircraft
2. COMMENTARY
Timeline
1980–1981: Student Elective in Radiology, McGill University - Jewish General Hospital
Montreal Canada (8 weeks)
1983: M.B., B.S. (Adel)
1983: Internship Royal Adelaide Hospital
1984: Residency Royal Adelaide Hospital
1985: Certificate of Aviation Medicine, RAAF Point Cook
1985: Prize for Best Officer Qualities, RAAF Officer Training School
o The only RAAF Medical Officer to complete this 10 week course
o The only RAAF Medical Officer to obtain this prize
1985–1988: Medical Officer to RAAF Chief of Air Staff
1987: Senior Medical Officer, Joint Services Health Centre Canberra
1989-1997: RAAF General Reserve Member
1989-1990: Basic Medical Trainee, Royal Canberra and Woden Valley Hospitals
1991-1992: Advanced Trainee in Cardiology, Royal Canberra and Woden Valley Hospitals
1992: Medical Registrar, Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne
1993: Advanced Trainee in Cardiology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne
1993: Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (Echocardiography)
First registrar to obtain DDU during advanced training at the Alfred Hospital,
Melbourne
1993: F.R.A.C.P.
1994-1995 Fellowship in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, St. Vincent’s Hospital,
Indianapolis USA – Prof. Eric N. Prystowsky
1995: Appointed Full-Time Staff Cardiologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
3. 1996: Appointed Visiting Cardiologist, Mater Hospitals Brisbane
1997-2002 Specialist Reserve Member
1999: Appointed Visiting Cardiologist, Redlands Hospital Brisbane
2003: Appointed Senior Staff Consultant Cardiologist Princess Alexandra Hospital
2005: Sabbatical Study, 10 weeks June – August 2005:
Focus on role of cardiac electrophysiology in heart failure and atrial fibrillation, deployment and operation
of non-fluoroscopic imaging and cryo-ablation systems
ESC Heart Failure Symposium, Lisbon, Portugal – 1 week
EP laboratory Dr. Carlo Pappone, Milan, Italy – 1 week
ESC Europace Scientific Sessions, Prague, Czech Republic
EP laboratory Dr. Michel Haissaguerre, Bordeaux, France – 2 weeks
EP laboratory Dr. Wyn Davies, St. Mary’s Hospital, London, England – 1 week
EP laboratories D. Richard Schilling, St. Bartholomew’s and London Bridge Hospitals, London,
England – 1 week
EP laboratory Dr. George Klein, London, Ontario, Canada – 1 week
EP laboratory Dr. David Wilber, Chicago U.S.A. – 1 week
EP laboratory Dr. Eric Prystowsky, Indianapolis U.S.A
2005-current: Appointed Director of Clinical Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology
Princess Alexandra Hospital
2009: FCSANZ
2014 appointed Associate Professor, University of Queensland School of Medicine
2014 appointed FHRS
4. Teaching Commitments
1996-2000: Annual lecture in cardiology to medical students of University of
Queensland, ECG,
Herston campus, Brisbane
1996-1999: Annual tutorial series with foreign medical graduates (AMEC candidates),
2-3 sessions, ECG/Arrhythmia, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane
1996-2006: Annual lecture/tutorial series during intern training, Princess Alexandra
Hospital, 3-4 sessions, ECG/Arrhythmia/Resuscitation/Cardiological
Emergencies/Angina
1995-2014: In-Service tutorials for residents on Cardiology rotation, 8-10 sessions per
year, Princess Alexandra Hospital
1996-2014: In-Service tutorials for Cardiology nurses, 1-2 sessions per year, Princess
Alexandra Hospital
1995-2014: Annual lecture/tutorial series with advanced trainees in Medicine, 2-3
sessions, Advanced ECG Interpretation/Arrhythmia, Princess Alexandra
Hospital
1995-2014: Short and Long Case practice examinations with advanced trainees in
Medicine, 6-10 sessions per year, Princess Alexandra Hospital
2000-2006: Clinical Teaching sessions for medical registrars every fortnight at Redland
Hospital, Brisbane
1998-2014: Continuous training responsibility for Cardiac Scientists involved in cardiac
electrophysiological studies, ablation procedures, pacemaker implantation
and pacemaker clinic follow-up activities, Princess Alexandra Hospital.
7 cardiac scientists obtained IHBRE certification in Cardiac Pacing 2008-14
1995-2014: Continuous training responsibility for advanced trainees in Cardiology,
Princess Alexandra Hospital
2001-2014: RACP Clinical Supervisor, Princess Alexandra Hospital
2007-2012: Lecturer to CEPIA National Scientific Programme for Cardiac Scientists:
Complex arrhythmia diagnosis and ablation
5. Publications
Bibliography
1. Fogel R.I., Chamberlain-Webber R., Hill J.N., Evans J.J., Johnson S., Prystowsky E.N.:
"Intravenous Amiodarone: Acute Efficacy Predicts Long Term Success."Circulation 1994;
90 Vol.4 Pt2:I-546 (abstract)
2. Hill J.N., Chamberlain-Webber R., Prystowsky E.N. et al: "Long RP Tachycardia: Can
Mode of Termination By Adenosine Differentiate Atrial from Atypical AV Node Re-entrant
Tachycardia?" JACC Feb 1995: 129A (abstract)
I presented this abstract at the ACC Meeting in New Orleans on March 20th 1995.
3. Chamberlain-Webber R., Hill J.N., Prystowsky E.N. et al: "Characteristics of Successful
Posterior Septal Sites to Cure AV Node Re-entry Using a Thermistor-Controlled Catheter
System." JACC Feb 1995: 128A (abstract)
4. Wharton J.M., Hill J.N., Freedberg N.A., Prystowsky E.N.: "Disopyramide" chapter in
"Cardiovascular Drug Therapy" ed. Messerli F.H., 2nd. edition, W.B. Saunders 1995
5. Freedberg N.A., Hill J.N., Evans J.J., Fogel R.I., Prystowsky E.N.: "Patients with Initial
Appropriate Defibrillator Therapy: Are Subsequent Therapy and Symptoms Predictable?"
PACE 1995; 18(4)Pt2: 944
6. Hill J.N., Freedberg N.A., Wharton J.M., Prystowsky E.N. et al: “Are Atypical and Typical
AV Node Re-entry “Mirror-image” Tachycardias? Response to Adenosine suggests
Otherwise” Circulation 1995; 86: 919-25
7. Hill J.N., Chamberlain-Webber R, Zimerman L, Shenasa H, Fogel, Wharton M,
Prystowsky EN: Long RP tachycardia: “Can mode of termination by adenosine
differentiate atrial from atypical AV node reentry tachycardia?” J Am Coll Cardiol,
1995;25:129A
8. Freedberg NA, Hill JN, Evans JJ, Fogel RI, Prystowsky EN: “Spontaneous sustained
ventricular tachycardia: Mechanisms of initiation.” J Am Coll Cardiol 1996;27(2):349A
9. Freedberg N.A., Hill J.N., Fogel R.I., Prystowsky E.N.: “Recurrence of Symptomatic
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator After the
First Device Therapy” JACC 2001; 37:1910-17
6. 10.Meulet J., Pavia S., Doneva S., Hill J.N.: “Impact of RV Pacing Site on Development of
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Patients with Dual Chamber Pacemakers” PACE 2005, 28(4)
11.Hill J.N.: “Amiodarone for Atrial Fibrillation: Comfort for the Afflicted and Affliction for the
Comforted.” J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2007, 18(7): 719-21 (Editorial)
12.Hill J.N.: “Detection of Thrombus Before Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Focus Determines
Reality”” J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2008 (published online Feb 5 2008, Editorial)
13.Hunt B.J., Dauber K.M., Gould P.A., Hill J.N.: “No Difference in Defibrillator Lead Integrity
or Efficacy with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Placement Compared to Right Ventricular
Apical Placement: A Single Centre Experience” Heart Rhythm 2009, 6(5S): 439
14. Stanton T., B. Haluska, R. Leano, K. Dauber, S. Doneva, P.A. Gould, G. Kaye, J.N. Hill,
et al:“Improvement of Mechanical Synchrony by Echocardiographic Optimization of CRT and
its Role in Improving Response” Heart, Lung and Circulation, 2009,(18),16–17
15.Stanton T., Haluska B., Leano R., Dauber K.M., Doneva S., Stafford W., Gould P.A., Kaye
G., Hill J.N., Marwick T.H.: “Echocardiographic Optimisation of Cardiac Resynchronisation
Therapy: The Importance of Mechanical Synchrony” Heart Lung Circ 2009, 18(S3): 33-
34
16.Dauber K. M., Gould P.A., Jenkins C., Doneva S., Kaye G., Hill J.N., Marwick T.H.:
“Regional Variations Seen in Left Ventricular Electro-Mechanical Activation” Heart Lung
Circ 2009, 18(S3): 136-137
17.Dauber K.M., Gould P.A., Doneva S., Hill J.N., Kaye G.: “Primary Prevention ICD Therapy
Rates in a Single Centre Cohort” Heart Lung Circ 2009, 18(S3): 157
18.Hill J.N., Korczyk D., Denaro C., Finn H.: “Enzyme Replacement Therapy in a Case
of Anderson–Fabry Disease with Advanced Cardiac Involvement and Malignant
Ventricular Arrhythmias” Heart Lung Circ 2012, 21(S1): S5
19.T. Stanton, B. Haluska, K. Dauber, S. Doneva, W. Stafford, G. Kaye, P. Gould, J. Hill, et
al, “Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Optimisation at Rest but not on Exercise
Produces Significant Improvement in BNP: Results of a one Year Randomised, Double-
Blind Clinical Trial” Heart, Lung and Circulation, 2012, (21), S74
20.Eng L., Peters N., Hill J.N.: “Dofetilide—Anti-arrhythmic Therapy: First
Australian Experience” Heart Lung Circ 2012, 21(S1): S101
21. Moore P.T, Kaye G.C., Hamilton M., Slater L., Gould P.A., Hill J.N.: “Seven Years
Experience of a Nurse-Led Elective Cardioversion Service in a Tertiary Referral Centre:
An Observational Study” Heart Lung Circ 01/2014
7. 22. Moore P.T, Kaye G.C., Hamilton M., Slater L., Gould P.A., Hill J.N.:”The Safety of a
Nurse-Led Day-Case Cardioversion Service in a Tertiary Referral Center: A Single Centre
Experience” Heart Rhythm 2014, 11(5S): S176
23. Moore PT, Kaye GC, Hamilton M, Slater L, Gould PA, Hill JN. “Seven years experience
of a nurse-led elective cardioversion service in a tertiary referral centre: an observational
study.” Heart Lung Circ. 2014 Jun;23(6):555-9. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2014.01.014. Epub 2014
Feb 6.
24. Kaye GC, Eng LK, Hunt BJ, Dauber KM, Hill J, Gould PA: “A Comparison of Right
Ventricular Non-apical Defibrillator Lead Position with Traditional Right Ventricular Apical
Position: A Single Centre Experience.” Heart Lung Circ. 2014 Sep 1. pii: S1443-
9506(14)00661-1. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2014.08.008. [Epub ahead of print] PMID:25224461
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
8. Invited lectures
To General Practitioners and local community hospital Medical Staff, on subjects of
general cardiological interest including arrhythmia, 2-3 events per year, 1996-2008
To The Annual Scientific Sessions of the North American Society for Pacing and
Electrophysiology (NASPE, now “HRS”, Heart Rhythm Society – the pre-eminent
international group of specialists in heart rhythm disorders), 1-2 Clinical Tutorials
as Faculty member:
1999 – Ablation of Complex Accessory Pathways:
This presentation marked international recognition of knowledge and capability
in this field
2000 – ECG in Ablation of Accessory Pathways:
Advanced intracardiac and surface ECG interpretation in the therapy of Wolff-
Parkinson-White Syndrome
2001 – Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Aircraft:
Tracing the development and utility of AEDs pioneered in commercial aviation
resuscitation, presaging the wider usage of AEDs in hospitals and other
institutions
2001 - Non-Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs and Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillators:
Integration of pharmacotherapy for mechanical and ischaemic factors with device
and Anti-arrhythmic therapies in the prevention of sudden cardiac death
2002 – Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
Beyond the implantable defibrillator
2002 - Practical Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Expert Panel
2012 - Provocative Cases in the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
Session Chair
9. Involvement in Clinical Trials
TRIAL NAME # RECRUITED COMMENCED CEASED PI Sub-
I
AS OF 1997 Gusto III 25 Aug-97 Jan-99 Hill
Val-Heft 22 Oct-96 May-00 Hill
Alive 5 Dec-97 Jun-00 Hill
Assent-II 25 Sep-97 Nov-98 Hill
Bosentan 2 Jan-97 Feb-98 Hill
Capricorn 31 May-97 May-00 Hill
Fraxis 17 Jan-97 Aug-97 Hill
Guardian 25 May-97 Aug-98 Hill
Hero-2 Transfer site only Dec-97 NA Hill
Nicorandil 3 Jan-97 Apr-97 Hill
Open-Label
Bosentan
1 Nov-97 Feb-06
Hill
Posicor 0 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
Symphony-I 7 Dec-97 Oct-98 Hill
COMMENCED IN
1998
Copernicus 1 Apr-98 Mar-00
Hill
Cure 23 Nov-98 Dec-00 Hill
Dronedarone 1 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
Moxcon 2 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
Symphony-II 1 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
COMMENCED IN
1999
Valiant 37 Aug-99 Feb-06
Hill
Overture 7 Aug-99 Feb-06 Hill
Pacific 9 Jun-99 Jun-00 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2000
Sportif-III 4 11-00 Feb-06
Hill
Ivadbradine 1 11-00 Jan-06 Hill
Gusto-V 4 6-00 Feb-06 Hill
Presto 20 3-00 Jan-06 Hill
Carissa 0 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
COMMENCED IN
2001
Prove-It 7 Jun-01 Apr-06
Hill
Oat 4 (closed
recruitment)
Nov-01 Oct-10
Hill
Expedition 31 Nov-01 Feb-06 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2002
Open-Label
Overture
7 Feb-02 Mar-06
Hill
Adonis 1 Feb-06 Feb-06 Hill
Interheart 7 Feb-02 Feb-06 Hill
On Target 45 May-02 Jul-08 Hill
Transcend 2 May-02 Mar-09 Hill
10. Synergy 11 Apr-02 Apr-06 Hill
I-Preserve 4 Aug-02 Jul-08 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2003
Extract Transfer site only Jun-03 NA
Hill
HAT 49 Jul-03 Sep-07 Hill
Oasis 5 11 Jan-04 May-06 Hill
Active 31 Jul-03 May-09 Hill
Phase I 0 (Study ceased by
sponsor)
Cancelled by
sponsor
Cancelled
Hill
COMMENCED IN
2004
Revive 1 Mar-04 Apr-06
Hill
Universe 4 May-03 Apr-06 Hill
Chablis 6 Mar-04 May-06 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2005
Apex 6 Jan-05 Aug-06
Hill
Early ACS Transfer site only May-05 May-06 Hill
MAIA 6 Jun-05 Jun-06 Hill
Beautiful 5 Aug-05 Aug-09 Hill
TIMI 38 8 Aug-05 Sep-07 Hill
Adduce 4 Aug-05 Apr-06 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2006
Acacia 45 Feb-06 Aug-07
Hill
ZoMax II 13 Jan-06 Dec-11 Hill
Freedom 4 Aug-09 May-12 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2007
Champion 19 Jan-07 Jul-09
Hill
Plato 21 Apr-07 Jun-09 Hill
Red-HF 0 May-07 Mar-09 Hill
Cardiome 0 Sep-07 Aug-09 Hill
Protect 35 Aug-07 Ongoing Hill
Freedom 2 0 Oct-07 Oct-08 Hill
Shift 0 Oct-07 Aug-09 Hill
Rocket 1 Aug-08 Jun-09
Dionysos 0 Mar-08 Jul-08 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2008
Roche
18 Dec-08 May-12 Hill
COMMENCED IN
2009
Atlas 2 16
Apr-09
Jun-11
Hill
Alphee 1 Sep-09 Apr-11 Hill
Averroes 2 Mar-09 Ongoing Hill
COMMENCED IN
2010
Artemis 0 Jun-10 Oct-11
Hill
COMMENCED IN
2012 Respond CRT 4 Sep-12 Ongoing Hill
11. Committee Membership, Professional Recognition
1998-2006, 2011-12: Abstract Review Panel, Heart Rhythm Society
2001-2003: Abstract Review Committee, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand
2004-2014: Literature Review Panel, Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
2004-5: Medical Advisory Panel to MSAC for generation of appropriate HIC item
number listings in relation to Implantable Loop Recorders
2013: Literature Review Panel, Heart Lung and Circulation
Leadership
1. RAAF Officer Training and Service experience as a uniformed then reservist military
doctor was preparation for and remains background to managerial service contribution
to Princess Alexandra Hospital.
2. Since appointment to Princess Alexandra Hospital in October 1995, the role of de
facto deputy director of the Cardiology Department has required administrative,
teaching and counseling activities additional to expanding clinical activities. This
supporting role has facilitated the considerable growth of the Department
commensurate with the requirements of Cardiac Surgery which commenced at
Princess Alexandra Hospital in 1998.
3. Although I have considerable experience with all types of cardiac procedures
(excluding only coronary angioplasty and stenting), the purpose of my employment as
a trained cardiac electrophysiologist was to bring to Princess Alexandra Hospital the
specialized skills and technology required for the modern management of heart rhythm
disorders. Since the patient with a heart rhythm disorder often has other serious
cardiological problems, including especially heart failure and coronary artery disease,
their care is necessarily wide in scope. After expending much effort in planning and
organization, I commenced permanent pacemaker implantation at Princess Alexandra
Hospital in April 1998, together with pacemaker outpatient clinic activity. In May of
the following year, I commenced implantations of automatic cardioverter/defibrillator
devices (ICDs). Initially, considerable time, effort and patience were invested in
assuring the cohesion of operating theatre staff, radiographers, anaesthetists, cardiac
scientists, device manufacturers and coronary care nurses. Ultimately this produced
educational opportunities for all concerned, and impressive experiences for the
patients. This type of integrated activity required for pacemaker services at Princess
Alexandra Hospital can serve as a paradigm for co-operation between medical
disciplines.
12. My loyalty and patience were tested severely under conditions of irregular financial
support, by accounting variables and by ideological differences in some areas.
However, the pacemaker service continued to operate and grow beyond these
problems. Responsibility is now assumed by that service for the large catchment of
patients including the southern half of Queensland and extending to parts of northern
New South Wales. Trans-telephonic pacemaker checks extended from Princess
Alexandra Hospital to regional hospitals in all of these areas, including the Gold Coast
Hospital, in 2001. Remote monitoring of pacemakers and ICDs by internet
(“telehealth” par excellence) commenced under my direction in 2011. The pacemaker
follow-up clinic is now supervising over 4000 patients, in-person, by internet or by
telephone. The pacemaker service has complication rates as low as any in the world
and has been subject to continuous financial audit. Its cardiac scientists have been
trained to a high standard coveted internationally. I constantly encourage them to
maintain their enthusiasm and precision.
4. In September 1998, after acquisition of appropriate laboratory equipment and catheter
inventory, I commenced invasive procedures for diagnosis of arrhythmia (cardiac
electrophysiological studies – EPS) and for cure of arrhythmia (radio-frequency
ablation – RFA, and cryo-ablation). Again, as in the case of pacemaker-related
services, this technology and expertise were implemented where none had existed
previously, and for the first time a new educational ‘window’ had been opened to
mechanisms of arrhythmia, with natural segues to scientific assessment of patients
who may require a permanent pacemaker. For all types of arrhythmia treated by RFA
at Princess Alexandra Hospital, the overall cure rate has exceeded 90% consistently,
with very low complication rates. These results again rank with the best available
anywhere.
5. In 2004 I was involved as consultant in the specification and tender processes for new
cardiac catheterisation laboratories at Princess Alexandra Hospital and Gold Coast
Hospital. I was also involved in the planning for new electrophysiological monitoring
systems, and proposed deployment of the new technologies of 3D mapping and cryo-
ablation for arrhythmia procedures at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Development of
the Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Service continues. There are now
effectively 2.2 FTE consultant staff responsible for:
Approximately 200 ablation cases per year. Cryo-ablation technology has been
implemented successfully in 2005, with safety and accuracy benefits for patients
requiring ablation near the AV Node. Non-fluoroscopic mapping equipment has
been evaluated and deployed, expanding further the scope of ablation procedures
to include potentially curative procedures for atrial fibrillation.
Approximately 580 pacing/ICD device procedures per year, including bi-
ventricular pacing devices for palliation of heart failure.
13. Involvement as Principal Investigator in the Micra (sole Australian site) and
Leadless II phase II international clinical trials of leadless pacemakers from March
2014, so that by the end of 2014 PAH became the leading Australian centre for
application of this technology to patients..
Device Timing Clinic with echocardiographic optimization of pacemaker/ICD AV
and V-V timing cycles to maximize cardiac performance established and run by
myself since 2005
Outpatient and Inpatient Arrhythmia consultations
6. Clinical Governance of the Arrhythmia Service
7. Critical involvement in the implementation of automatic external defibrillators on
Princess Alexandra Hospital wards in 2001, with specialized consultancy insisting on
employment of the most efficient and practical devices available. These devices
represent the most significant advance in 40 years of external defibrillation technology,
and their superiority over older devices is being demonstrated in terms of better
survival of cardiac arrest in hospital.
8. From 1999 to 2006, Visiting Cardiologist to Redlands Hospital, cardiological referral
centre for Princess Alexandra Hospital. My work there involved education and
maintenance of clinical standards in High Dependency and outpatient settings, with
provision of specialised and timely consultations and facilitation of triage and transfer
of cardiological patients.
9. In the planning of future projects there is recognition of the importance and interactions
of the dual medical epidemics of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Elements of this
planning include:
growth of the arrhythmia service to address its educational and procedural
demands, which are increasing rapidly. This growth includes establishment of an
EP-Pacing fellowship. The first such fellowship position was filled at Princess
Alexandra Hospital in January 2007.
development of research into selection of candidate patients and techniques for
alternate-site permanent pacing, particularly as they apply to heart failure.
These pacing procedures commenced in 2002 at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
development of expertise in the management of imaging processes and ablation
strategies for atrial fibrillation. Consecutive left atrial ablation procedures
designed for cure of atrial fibrillation commenced in October 2006 at Princess
Alexandra Hospital.
14. clinical research focused on new pharmacological approaches for cardiology,
arrhythmia and heart failure.
10. Elected Chair of the Queensland Health Southern Clinical
Cardiac Network in May 2009. Supervision of the following achievements:
Ongoing decentralisation of cardiac services by implementation of the “Healthy
Hearts” budget
development of local leadership
sharing of resources / training
tracking of funding - positions, services, equipment, outcomes
7 SQ Cardiac services upgraded (cardiologist, echo, HF, CR) at Ipswich, QEII,
Logan, Redland, Toowoomba, PAH, GCUH
Cardiac Outreach Clinics – monthly visits to Roma, Goondiwindi, Kingaroy and
Cherbourg, MSOAP funding
Indigenous Health Worker Education Package development
Adoption of Patient Transfer Criteria to PAH – prioritisation, categorisation
Standardisation of Clinical Competencies for Cardiac Nurses
Implementation of Echo standards for imaging and reporting, now adopted
statewide
Site Mapping Report, released 2010, identifying service gaps
2009 formal SQ Cardiology Site Visit Evaluation
2010 Mapping Report released - identifying gaps
2011 audit of ACS resources across all facilities in SQ
Improvement of Nursing Clinical Skills
promoting evidence-based care
- addressing the learning needs of nurses at all levels
and in all working environments
Strategy
- Project officer
- SQ Nurse Education Working Group
- broad consultation across Southern Qld
Outcome
15 Standardised evidence-based Cardiac Clinical Skills Assessments for
Registered Nurses, completed in 2009.
15. Sponsorship of Echo Work Group
- Image sharing
- improving access / referral system
- maintaining standards
- sustainability - recruitment / training
Education
Heart Failure DVD
Patient education is a vital component of CHF-MPs
What do patients with CHF need to know?
What are patients with CHF preferences for information delivery?
Focus on self-care behaviours
New focus in 2010-2014:
Clinical Practice improvement
1) ACS
1. Pathway promulgation
2. Development of Emergency Coronary Reperfusion Strategy for
Metro South Area
3. Audit of Southern Zone ACS Resources
4. ECG interpretation by doctors
2) Indigenous – Close the Gap
3) EP-Pacing
Satellite Arrhythmia Clinics: inception and ongoing:
• To improve non-metropolitan patient
access to Heart Rhythm procedures which
improve quality of life and enhance survival
Strategy
• Establish ‘satellite’ outpatient clinics staffed by
Cardiac Electrophysiologists from PAH visiting
Toowoomba, Ipswich and Logan
• Employ additional 0.2FTE Cardiac Electrophysiologist at PAH
Expose more patients to the full range of arrhythmia procedures –
- implantation of devices: pacemakers,
‘cardiac re-synchronisation therapy (CRT)’,
cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs),
loop recorders (ILRs)
16. - electrophysiological study (EPS)
- potentially curative ablation therapy
Other Benefits
• Improve collaboration, support local staff
• Spread expert knowledge
• Develop interest, familiarity and experience
• Improve continuity of care
• Reduce unnecessary patient travel
Cherbourg Cardiac Outreach Clinic
An investigation of the issues related to service improvement of the clinic.
1) Nurse Education
2) Post-discharge follow-up
3) Rehabilitation: referral KPI, facilitated discharge, COACH
Southern Qld ACS Audit
Assessing the ability of all SQ facilities to achieve best practice in Acute Coronary
Syndrome management.
ECG interpretation for junior doctors: inception and ongoing
- Contribute to the improvement of these vital skills.
- 13-week structured course
- Developed by cardiac scientists with my support and supervision
- 30 minute sessions: first half didactic, second half interactive
- Broadcast to all Queensland Health hospitals by videoconference, archived for
later reference
Emergency Reperfusion Strategy for Metro South
Devised the practical architecture and protocols in collaboration with Emergency,
Cardiology and QAS at multiple facilities
11.Election to QPACT Committee for statewide evaluation of new health
technologies in March 2009; QPACT has nationwide secretariat in 2011.
Facilitated introduction of laser-assisted lead extraction for patients with
cardiac pacemakers and ICDs at TPCH.
12. Election to SQACT Committee 2009 for Southern Zone evaluation of new health
technologies
17. 13.Election to Chairmanship of the Electrophysiology and Pacing Working Group of the
Steering Committee of the Statewide Clinical Cardiac Network in November 2009. The
Group functions to provide Queensland Health (QH) with ongoing direct expert opinion
and accurate data concerning management of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), to
discuss particular challenges in this field as they relate to QH patients now and in the
future, and to serve as a potential structure for collaborative research.
Activity mapping and analysis in its Report of May 2010, of which I am the author, identify
the following issues:
1. Infrastructure deficiency; inadequate laboratory time resources
2. Inadequate number of workforce; work practices including duties unrelated to
arrhythmia and too few cardiac scientists employed or in training.
The interwoven issues related to present and future funding, technological advances and
the increasing requirement for procedures for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were
discussed in detail. This Report can serve as a reference for statewide planning in relation
to cardiac electrophysiology.
14. Election to Novel Anticoagulants (NOACs) multidisciplinary committee (2012)
to generate and update guidelines for perioperative usage of these agents at PAH.
15. 2013-4: Chair of ECG Rapid Transmission working group and the
Electrophysiology Data working group of the QH Cardiac
Information Solutions Program.
27 December 2014