Feasibility of telecardiology solution to connect rural health clinics to a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background:In spite of enormous progress in cardiac care in India, rural communities lack access to even basic cardiac care. One possible solution to this problem is to employ telecardiology.Objectives:To demonstrate feasibility of telecardiology system to link rural clinics to a teaching hospital.Methods:Five rural clinics were linked to a teaching hospital, using an inexpensive system of cardiographs and tablet PCs to transmit ECGs to hospital and have them interpreted by cardiologist.Results:Three hundred eighty ECGs were acquired at clinics with 98.9% of them noise-free and transmitted to the hospital with 99.7% success on first attempt. Interpretation of ECG was provided to primary care physician at the clinic on the same day for 95.3% of ECGs. Abnormal ECG findings were seen on 22.6% of these ECGs.Conclusion:This system performed well with high success rate of acquisition and transmission. Staff at rural clinics successfully acquired quality ECGs and transmitted them and the staff at the hospital were able to provide timely interpretation of ECGs and advice to patients.

Acceptance and feasibility for handheld Tele-ECG

“…This could be a boon in primary care settings. ( 8) The present study demonstrates the applicability of a remote care model that ensures improved availability of health care resources to populations residing in distant areas. The handheld tele-ECG used in the present study is an indigenous design that shows immense potential in replacing conventional ECG, especially for screening purposes.…”

“…Telemonitoring improves the health care delivery in resource poor communities by facilitating access to diagnostic tests. (6,7) The study highlights the convenience, sustainability and reliability of using tele-ECG for monitoring and screening cardiac abnormalities. This could be a boon in primary care settings.…”

Global disparities in arrhythmia care: Mind the gap

“…Early involvement of cardiac electrophysiologists could also facilitate rapid identification of patients whose management requires resources present at tertiary care centers (eg, facilities with capabilities for invasive EP testing, CIED implantation, and ablation). 50 These transmissions can be supplemented by virtual or in-person patient visits as needed. 51 Additional measures that could help identify patients who would benefit from transport to tertiary care centers include: remote proctoring of ECG interpretation, creation of low-cost ECG devices, and interpretation assistance from artificial intelligence software.…”