38.7%
Intermediate-risk patients assessed at a community site who reportedly reached a diagnostic hub.
Implementation learning
Identifying risk does not guarantee that a patient reaches care.
The transition from community assessment to diagnostic evaluation is where the pathway needs particular attention.
Operational performance
The hardest gap begins after detection.
56.0%
High-risk patients assessed at a community site who reportedly reached a diagnostic hub.
98%+
Among intermediate- and high-risk patients who reached the hub, the proportion reportedly completing ECG or echocardiography.
These rates use different denominators. The first two refer to people assessed in the community; the last refers to people who arrived at the hub.
Reporting context and limitations
Source: Community-to-hub implementation experience reported by HeartLINK+, summarized in September 2026. The public summary does not specify subgroup counts, dates, sites, follow-up window, missing-outcome handling or the definition of hub arrival. These remain historical reported rates, not a completed independently evaluated dataset.
HeartLINK+ reports that community sites paused in mid-2026 when self-funding ended. Historical delivery does not confirm current availability.
Evidence should change the model
From a referral to a completed connection.
The gap
Risk identified → referral issued → patient left to navigate the system.
The evolving model
Risk identified → appointment → navigation → reminder → handoff → completion confirmed.
Explore the proposed coordination steps
- Schedule before the patient leaves the ACCESS site.
- Assign a navigator and a named referral contact.
- Track non-completion and escalate higher-risk patients.
- Address transport and affordability barriers.
- Return outcomes to the referring team.
The next evaluation question
Did the patient reach appropriate care?
I-HEART asks whether intermediate- and high-risk patients complete appropriate evaluation and linkage to care within 14 days.
Scheduling, transport, communication, affordability, referral ownership and sustainable financing all need to be evaluated.
Connect the next step
Help close the connection-to-care gap.
Evaluate what helps patients reach the care recommended for them.