FibriCheck further expands into Asia-Pacific region through partnership with Roche Diagnostics and DrGo

FibriCheck has partnered with Roche Diagnostics, Hong Kong’s leading digital health platform DrGo and the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) for a large-scale targeted AF detection campaign among Hong Kong’s population. Following a successful FibriCheck integration, Hongkongers are now able to measure their heart rhythm anytime, anywhere via the DrGo app. Following last year’s launch in Australia, this new partnership sees Belgian digital health pioneer FibriCheck further expand into the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are thrilled to introduce the FibriCheck technology to Asia with DrGo, our first partner in the region,” says Lars Grieten, FibriCheck CEO. “Through this strategic partnership with DrGo, Roche and the HKSR, 100.000 people in Hong Kong will be able to monitor their heart health quickly and conveniently, improving the efficiency of their overall health management.”

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death among Hong Kong’s population¹. While around 20% of all strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation, one-third of the patients are not aware they have this condition prior to suffering a stroke². With an estimated 260,000 Hongkongers having persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation -one-third of which may not even experience any symptoms – this campaign is very much needed.

Redefining the digital care pathway through integration

To create more awareness among Hongkongers around the risks that come with atrial fibrillation, this nation-wide targeted AF detection campaign aims to reach 100.000 individuals and have them check their heart rhythm via the DrGo app.

“As one of the key health-tech platforms in Hong Kong, DrGo has always been a pioneer of innovation that is committed to bringing high-quality healthcare services to consumers,” says Ms Teresa Ng, Chief Commercial Officer of DrGo. “The integration of world leading atrial fibrillation detection technology into the DrGo app allows users to check their heart rhythm condition anytime without having to purchase extra equipment. This new addition will empower users to better manage their heart health, and have a better understanding of the negative impact of atrial fibrillation.”

How it works

Residents will be offered free access to FibriCheck in the DrGo app for 14 days. During this period, they will be asked to check their heart rate and rhythm twice a day (in the morning and the evening) with additional measurements whenever they experience symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations or shortness of breath).

If the FibriCheck results show that there is a possibility of atrial fibrillation, they will receive a follow-up phone call or email from HKSR, recommending them to conduct further tests at a district centre managed by the HKSR Community Rehabilitation Network. Those who are detected with atrial fibrillation will be advised to seek necessary medical attention.

This campaign marks the first collaboration between DrGo and HKSR, one of the biggest non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong that focuses on health management. “The accessibility and convenience of smartphones makes them an increasingly popular tool for people to manage their health,” says Ms. Ng Yuk-Mun SPT, Head of Allied Health of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation. “We believe that through the DrGo app, we will encourage more people to check themselves for atrial fibrillation, resulting in more people getting treatment after follow-up actions managed by our community network”.

Users who are new to DrGo can download the application from drgohkt.page.link/download_app.

For more details about DrGo’s services, please visit www.drgo.com.hk.

1. Hospital Authority https://www21.ha.org.hk/smartpatient/SPW/en-us/Disease-Information/Disease/?guid=29ac1219-3d68-4378-a2bd-09e111da3650.
2. Soo Y, et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2017 Sep;88(9):744-748.