Every year, more than 2,100 Manitobans are hospitalized with a heart attack (ACS). While lifesaving treatments in hospital are highly effective, the weeks after discharge remain a vulnerable period. Too many patients return to the emergency department within 30 days - often because of unanswered questions, anxiety about symptoms, or limited access to follow-up care. This burden is even greater for patients in rural and remote communities, where primary care is harder to access and emergency visits are often used in place of routine follow-up.

TPD-REACH is a Manitoba ACS Network research project testing whether a digital health tool (DHT) can improve recovery after hospital discharge and improve the transition between the hospital and outpatient care team. Through daily education modules, symptom check-ins, and virtual follow-ups with the care team, patients receive the support they need while at home. By reducing unnecessary emergency visits and improving confidence in self-care, TPD-REACH aims to close the gaps in post-discharge support.

What’s Next

We are conducting a randomized clinical trial of TPD-REACH, comparing education alone, education plus structured support, and standard care. This study will measure the impact on 30-day unexpected healthcare visits, patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. By focusing on both urban and rural patients, we aim to create an evidence-based, scalable model for follow-up care across Manitoba.

How You Can Help

Your donation will support research staff, patient engagement, and technology costs for TPD-REACH. With your help, we can evaluate whether digital health can reduce avoidable ER visits, improve patient recovery, and build a sustainable model of care for all Manitobans after a heart attack.