Practical Utility of the Postal Service in Delivering a Self-Fitted, Wearable, Long-Term Electrocardiogram Monitoring Device for Outpatient Care

Abstract

Background: Demand is growing for remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems in the COVID-19 era in Japan. This study describes initial experiences with a small wireless ECG monitoring device and the utility of delivery via the postal service for outpatient care in Japan. Methods and Results:Long-term ECG monitoring following postal delivery of the small ECG device was evaluated in 25 patients. The patients had no difficulties with either the postal delivery or self-fitting and wearing the devices. A median of 57 h monitoring per patient was performed. Arrhythmic events were detected in 8 patients. Most patients were satisfied with both the ECG devices and postal delivery. Conclusions:Postal delivery of ECG devices could be used in clinical practice to achieve less or no in-person contact during the COVID-19 era.

Telehealth Follow-up Using a Real-Time Electrocardiogram Device Improves Electrocardiogram Monitoring Duration and Patient Satisfaction After Catheter Ablation

“…Duranta ECG Monitoring Device The details of the Duranta patch-type ECG monitoring device have been described previously. 7 – 9 Figure 2 shows the characteristics of the Duranta ECG system. The Duranta is a small ECG device, measuring 78.4 mm wide, 35.1 mm deep, and 14.7 mm thick.…”

“…In our previous paper, 7 we described the utility and safety of postal delivery of ECG devices between patients’ homes and our hospital. We placed the ECG devices in prepaid Letter Pack Light envelopes (Japan Post), which can be put in any postbox in Japan.…”

“… 1 , 4 – 6 We previously reported the practical utility of using the postal service for the delivery of patch-type, self-fitted, wearable ECG monitoring devices (Duranta; ZAIKEN, Tokyo, Japan) for the long-term ECG recording in outpatient care. 7 The postal service safely delivered the ECG devices between the patients’ homes and the hospital, allowing the patients to perform long-term ECG recording themselves without needing to visit the hospital.…”