Experiences of health professionals towards using mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) technology: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: To identify and explore the experiences of health professionals towards using mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) technology.Introduction: Mobile technology is increasingly being incorporated into healthcare systems, and when implemented well, has the potential to revolutionise the way in which care is delivered. The uptake of mobile ECG technology enables health professionals to record and transmit ECGs electronically, at the point of care. It is important to explore both the impact of this technology and staff experiences to help understand how readily it is accepted and how effectively it is used in practice. There is a paucity of knowledge and understanding from primary healthcare providers and a lack of qualitative evidence offering insight into the monitoring and use of mobile ECG technology. Therefore, this review adds to the available body of knowledge by giving insight from the perspectives of health professionals on its use.Methods: TRIP, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and sources of grey literature were searched for eligible studies. Databases were searched from their inception dates, with a restriction on studies written in English. The results of the search are presented in a PRISMA flow diagram. Two reviewers independently screened studies and assessed methodological quality in accordance with JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Data were extracted from the included studies and meta-aggregation methodology adopted to identify categories and create synthesised findings related to the healthcare professionals' experiences.Results: A total of six studies were included, which resulted in 18 findings and five categories. Three synthesised findings were generated: Quick, easy and feasible in both urban and remote settings; Increased accessibility of AF screening opportunities for all; Enhanced support in staff resources, time and technology are required. The

Smartphone based 12 lead ECG as decision support in STEMI: a prospective, cross sectional study, non-randomised, single blinded and single-center study

“…Standard 12-lead ECG equipment could not be made available in such circumstances, but the widespread use of smartphones might provide the groundwork for a wider use of electrocardiography. [18][19][20] Our research revealed a high degree of STEMI accuracy across Spandan smartphone ECG records and traditional ECG readings. The 12 lead Spandan smartphone ECG has superior diagnostic capabilities for STEMI when compared to simultaneously conducted traditional 12L ECG in a primary care population, according to blinded cardiologists.…”

Validation of interpretation of ST-elevation myocardial infarction using the smartphone based 12 lead electrocardiograms in comparison to the cardiologist-a cross sectional study, validation study, single-center study

“…14 It would be unfeasible to provide standard 12-lead ECG devices in such settings, but smartphone penetration has already become commonplace and has potential to provide foundation for greater spread of ECG. [15][16][17] Our study showed a good degree of accuracy for STEMI between Spandan smartphone ECG and standard ECG recordings. The diagnostic properties of the 12 lead Spandan smartphone ECG as assessed by blinded cardiologists against simultaneously performed standard 12L ECG in a primary care population were excellent for STEMI.…”

“…The ability to obtain point-of-care 12-lead ECGs on smart devices owned by the general population that shall be uploaded almost immediately to an accessible shared cloud-based server, provides an opportunity to change the way healthcare is delivered and provided. 15 Local hospitals or healthcare systems as well as EMS services and communities may elect to create and subscribe to services that provide monitoring, alerts, and two-way communication to facilitate both access and speed of care. 18 Technology is outpacing our current healthcare system approach, and this study will help to assess whether a smartphone obtained 12-Lead ECG is an acceptable alternative to identify STEMI, which, if true, future study should assess the "sharing capabilities" of the smart device ECG and whether it can be used outside of the hospital setting by non-clinicians.…”