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Mannarino S, Calcaterra V, Fini G, Foppiani A, Sanzo A, Pisarra M, Infante G, Marsilio M, Raso I, Santacesaria S, Zuccotti G. A pediatric telecardiology system that facilitates integration between hospital-based services and community-based primary care. Int J Med Inform 2024; 181:105298. [PMID: 37972482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telecardiology has emerged as a vital field within telemedicine, fostering collaboration between hospital and community medicine. This pilot study introduces an innovative pediatric telecardiology system, comprising a telecardiology system seamlessly integrated with a hospital telemedicine platform. A smooth flow of ECG execution, transmission, and reporting between Primary Care Pediatrician clinics and the hospital was tested as the primary objective. User experience surveys were also considered. METHODS The study involved three Primary Care Pediatrician clinics, and the enrollment of children took place consecutively from January to July 2023. We integrated a digital electrocardiographic signal acquisition unit and online information transmission-capable tablets, that were provided to the pediatricians, with a telemedicine multitenant platform that facilitated the transmission of the patient's ECG data from the community to the Hospital Pediatric Cardiologist. RESULTS A total of 158 children (80 M/78F, 8.9 ± 2.8 yrs) underwent ECG recording (78.5 % medical certificates, 21.5 % presence of symptoms) The transmission and reporting of ECGs were successfully completed in all cases, without technical issues. Normal findings on the ECG were demonstrated in 94.9 % of children. 70.8 % of respondents completed all parts of the survey. Respondents had a high level of education (90 %) and demonstrated excellent or good competence in using digital technologies (89 %). 51 % of respondents were not familiar with the term "Telemedicine" and 81 % of the cases had no previous telemedicine experience. 90 % of users were very satisfied or satisfied with the service. Connection problems (2.8 %) and concerns about the service's reliability compared to standard care (3.7 %) were mentioned as possible limitations of the telecardiology. CONCLUSIONS Our pediatric telecardiology system offers a valuable diagnostic tool to enhance patient management in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savina Mannarino
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fini
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Foppiani
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (ICANS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; IRCCS Auxologico, Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Milan 20145, Italy
| | - Antonio Sanzo
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Division of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Pisarra
- Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Infante
- Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Marsilio
- Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Raso
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Santacesaria
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Iliuță L, Andronesi AG, Rac-Albu M, Furtunescu FL, Rac-Albu ME, Scafa-Udriște A, Moldovan H, Panaitescu E. Challenges in Caring for People with Cardiovascular Disease through and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Advantages of Universal Access to Home Telemonitoring. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1727. [PMID: 37372846 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cardiovascular prevention was left in second place during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of telemedicine turned out to be very useful. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine application for remote monitoring and treatment adjustments in terms of improving cardiovascular prevention. (2) Methods: A prospective study of 3439 patients evaluated between the 1st of March 2019 and the 1st of March 2022, in the pre-pandemic period by face-to-face visits and during the pandemic by teleconsultations or hybrid follow-up. We compared four periods: pre-pandemic-Pre-P (1 March 2019-1 March 2020), lockdown-Lock (1 March-1 September 2020), restrictive-pandemic-Restr-P (1 September 2020-1 March 2021), and relaxed-pandemic-Rel-P (1 March 2021-1 March 2022). (3) Results: The average values of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and glucose had an increasing trend during Lock and Restr-P, and they decreased close to the baseline level during the Rel-P, with the exception of glucose which remained elevated in Rel-P. The number of patients with newly discovered DM increased significantly in the Rel-P, and 79.5% of them had mild/moderate forms of COVID-19. During Lock and Res-P, the percentage of obese, smoking, or hypertensive patients increased, but probably through the use of telemedicine, we managed to reduce it, although it remained slightly higher than the pre-pandemic level. Physical activity decreased in the first year of the pandemic, but in Rel-P people became more active than before the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: The use of telemedicine for cardiovascular prevention seems to yield favorable results, especially for secondary prevention in the very high-risk group and during the second year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luminita Iliuță
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Cardioclass Clinic for Cardiovascular Disease, 031125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Gabriella Andronesi
- Nephrology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Nephrology Department, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Rac-Albu
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Cardioclass Clinic for Cardiovascular Disease, 031125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Ligia Furtunescu
- Department of Public Health and Management, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mădălina-Elena Rac-Albu
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Scafa-Udriște
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Horațiu Moldovan
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinical Emergency Hospital, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientist (AOSR), 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugenia Panaitescu
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Mahalwar G, Kumar A, Kalra A. Virtual Cardiology: Past, Present, Future Directions, and Considerations. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2023; 17:117-122. [PMID: 37305213 PMCID: PMC10225773 DOI: 10.1007/s12170-023-00719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Through this review, we attempt to explore the role of telemedicine and virtual visits in the field of cardiology pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 pandemic, their limitations and their future scope for delivery of care. Recent Findings Telemedicine, which rose to prominence during COVID-19 pandemic, helped not only in reducing the burden on the healthcare system during a time of crisis but also in improving patient outcomes. Patients and physicians also favored virtual visits when feasible. Virtual visits were found to have the potential to be continued beyond the pandemic and play a significant role in patient care alongside conventional face-to-face visits. Summary Although tele-cardiology has proven beneficial in terms of patient care, convenience, and access, it comes with its fair share of limitations-both logistical and medical. Whilst there remains a great scope for improvement in the quality of patient care provided through telemedicine, it has shown the potential to become an integral part of medical practice in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12170-023-00719-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauranga Mahalwar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH USA
| | - Ankur Kalra
- Franciscan Physician Network Cardiology, Franciscan Health, 3900 St. Francis Way, Suite 200 Lafayette, IN 47905 Lafayette, USA
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Brunetti ND, Curcio A, Nodari S, Parati G, Carugo S, Molinari M, Acquistapace F, Gensini G, Molinari G. The Italian Society of Cardiology and Working Group on Telecardiology and Informatics 2023 updated position paper on telemedicine and artificial intelligence in cardiovascular disease. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:e168-e177. [PMID: 37186567 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the Italian Society of Cardiology and its Working Group on Telemedicine and Informatics issued a position paper on Telecardiology, resuming the most eminent evidence supporting the use of information and communication technology in principal areas of cardiovascular care, ranked by level of evidence. More than 5 years later and after the global shock inflicted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an update on the topic is warranted. Recent evidence and studies on principal areas of cardiovascular disease will be therefore reported and discussed, with particular focus on telemedicine for cardiovascular care in the COVID-19 context. Novel perspectives and opportunities disclosed by artificial intelligence and its applications in cardiovascular disease will also be discussed. Finally, modalities by which machine learning have realized remote patient monitoring and long-term care in recent years, mainly filtering critical clinical data requiring selective hospital admission, will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natale D Brunetti
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia
| | - Antonio Curcio
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro
| | - Savina Nodari
- Dept. of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health-University of Brescia Medical School
- University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia
| | | | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health
- Cardiology Unit, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Martina Molinari
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale 'P.A. Micone', ASL 3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy
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Ghilencea LN, Chiru MR, Stolcova M, Spiridon G, Manea LM, Stănescu AMA, Bokhari A, Kilic ID, Secco GG, Foin N, Di Mario C. Telemedicine: Benefits for Cardiovascular Patients in the COVID-19 Era. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:868635. [PMID: 35935629 PMCID: PMC9347362 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.868635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent pandemic with SARS-CoV-2 raises questions worldwide regarding telemedicine for housebound patients, including those with cardiovascular conditions. The need for further investigation, monitoring and therapeutic management are advancing practical issues which had not been identified for consideration prior to the pandemic. Using the marketing assessment, we identified the needs of the patients and evaluated the future steps necessary in the short term to meet them. The research found progress made via telemedicine in monitoring and conducting minor decisions (like up-titrating the doses of different medication regimens) in patients with several cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure), as there is a worldwide trend to develop new telemonitoring biosensors and devices based on implantable delivered transcatheter. The worldwide telemedicine trend encourages a switch from small and hesitating steps to a more consistent assessment of the patients, based on high technology and Interventional Cardiology. Cardiovascular telemedicine, although made a sustainable effort in managing patients' health, has many obstacles to overcome before meeting all their needs. Data security, confidentiality and reimbursement are the top priorities in developing remote Cardiology. The regulatory institutions need to play an integrative role in leading the way for defining the framework of future telemedicine activities. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak with all its tragedy served to reinforce the message that telemedicine services can be life-saving for cardiovascular patients. Once the Covid-19 era will fade away, telemedicine is likely to remain a complementary service of standard care. There is still room to improve the remote identification and investigation of heart disease, provide an accurate diagnosis and therapeutic regimen, and update regulations and guidelines to the new realities of technological progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liviu-Nicolae Ghilencea
- Department of Cardiology, Elias University Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Liviu-Nicolae Ghilencea
| | | | - Miroslava Stolcova
- Structural Interventional Cardiology, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriel Spiridon
- Department and European Project Development, Institute of Scientific Research and Technological Development in Automation and Informatics, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura-Maria Manea
- Department of Cardiology, Elias University Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Awais Bokhari
- Department of Cardiology, Bedford Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Ismail Dogu Kilic
- Department of Cardiology, Pamukkale University Hospital, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Gioel Gabriel Secco
- Department of Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Disease, SS. Antonio e Biagioe Cesare Arrigo Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nicolas Foin
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National Heart Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carlo Di Mario
- Structural Interventional Cardiology, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
- Royal Brompton Hospital, NHSFT, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Carlo Di Mario
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Mohammadzadeh N, Rezayi S, Tanhapour M, Saeedi S. Telecardiology interventions for patients with cardiovascular Disease: A systematic review on characteristics and effects. Int J Med Inform 2021; 158:104663. [PMID: 34922178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases are high worldwide. Telecardiology can be used to diagnose and treat these diseases. This paper aimed to review the effectiveness (positive and negative) of implemented telecardiology services in terms of clinical, economic, and patient-reported aspects. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, ISI web of science, and IEEE Xplore databases from inception to April 7, 2021. the studies that examined the effectiveness of telecardiology interventions were included. RESULTS Fifty studies were included in this systematic review. Most investigations (22%) were conducted in the US. In 22% of studies, telecardiology intervention was used for patients with heart failure. Telecardiology has been used in most studies for tele-monitoring (n = 21, 42%) and tele-consultation (n = 17, 34%) and in 29 studies (58%), was applied for ECG transmission. The highest rate of effects reported by studies was clinical. Thirty-five studies (70%) reported the clinical effects; twenty-one studies reported the positive effects for the economic category, and fifteen studies reported the positive effect for patient-reported class. The most positive clinical effects of telecardiology were early diagnosis, early treatment, and mortality reduction. The most positive effect of the economic class was the reduction of health care costs. The most effects of the patient-reported category were improving the patient's quality of life and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION Telecardiology can help early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It also has great potential in reducing health care costs and increasing quality of life and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorayya Rezayi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Tanhapour
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Saeedi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Farshchian Heart Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Health Information Management and Medical Informatics Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Molinari G, Brunetti ND, Nodari S, Molinari M, Spagna G, Ioakim M, Migliore G, Dattoli V, Di Cillo O. Impact of 2020 SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on telemedicine management of cardiovascular disease in Italy. Intern Emerg Med 2021; 16:1191-1196. [PMID: 33294959 PMCID: PMC7722980 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-020-02564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic affected large part of Italy since February 2020; we, therefore, aimed to assess the impact of 2020 SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on telemedicine management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Italy. We analyzed data from three telemedicine dispatch centers, one located in Genoa, serving private clients (pharmacies, general practitioners), one in Brescia, serving pharmacies, and one in Bari, serving regional public STEMI network and emergency medical service in Apulia (4 million inhabitants). Demographic data and principal electrocardiogram diagnosis were collected and analyzed. Records from the time interval March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2020 were compared with the corresponding period in 2019. The comparative analysis of data shows a 54% reduction of telemedicine electrocardiogram transmission in Genoa telemedicine center (from 364 to 166), 68% in Brescia (from 5.745 to 1.905), 24% in Bari (from 15.825 to 11.716); relative reduction according to electrocardiogram diagnosis was 38% for acute coronary syndrome, 40% for other acute CVD in Genoa center, 24% for acute coronary syndrome, and 38% for other acute CVD in Bari. Male/female ratio remained substantially unchanged. A dramatic reduction of telemedicine access for CVD was observed during Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020 in Italy. The reduction was substantially consistent for all electrocardiogram findings, ACS, other acute CVD and normal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natale Daniele Brunetti
- grid.10796.390000000121049995Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Savina Nodari
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Bhaskar S, Bradley S, Chattu VK, Adisesh A, Nurtazina A, Kyrykbayeva S, Sakhamuri S, Moguilner S, Pandya S, Schroeder S, Banach M, Ray D. Telemedicine as the New Outpatient Clinic Gone Digital: Position Paper From the Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) International Consortium (Part 2). Front Public Health 2020; 8:410. [PMID: 33014958 PMCID: PMC7505101 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Technology has acted as a great enabler of patient continuity through remote consultation, ongoing monitoring, and patient education using telephone and videoconferencing in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The devastating impact of COVID-19 is bound to prevail beyond its current reign. The vulnerable sections of our community, including the elderly, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, those with multiple comorbidities, and immunocompromised patients, endure a relatively higher burden of a pandemic such as COVID-19. The rapid adoption of different technologies across countries, driven by the need to provide continued medical care in the era of social distancing, has catalyzed the penetration of telemedicine. Limiting the exposure of patients, healthcare workers, and systems is critical in controlling the viral spread. Telemedicine offers an opportunity to improve health systems delivery, access, and efficiency. This article critically examines the current telemedicine landscape and challenges in its adoption, toward remote/tele-delivery of care, across various medical specialties. The current consortium provides a roadmap and/or framework, along with recommendations, for telemedicine uptake and implementation in clinical practice during and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu Bhaskar
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital and South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory & NSW Brain Clot Bank, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sian Bradley
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine Sydney, South West Sydney Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anil Adisesh
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alma Nurtazina
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Saltanat Kyrykbayeva
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Sateesh Sakhamuri
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sebastian Moguilner
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shawna Pandya
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Alberta Health Services and Project PoSSUM, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Starr Schroeder
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital and Project PoSSUM, Lancaster, PA, United States
| | - Maciej Banach
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Łódz, Poland.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland.,Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Łódz, Poland
| | - Daniel Ray
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Farr Institute of Health Informatics, University College London (UCL) & NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Brunetti ND, Molinari G, Acquistapace F, Zimotti T, Parati G, Indolfi C, Fedele F, Carugo S. 2019 Italian Society of Cardiology Census on telemedicine in cardiovascular disease: a report from the working group on telecardiology and informatics. Open Heart 2020; 7:e001157. [PMID: 32206315 PMCID: PMC7078982 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2019-001157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess by a census supported by the Italian Society of Cardiology (Società Italiana di Cardiologia, SIC) the present implementation of telemedicine in the field of cardiovascular disease in Italy. Methods A dedicated questionnaire was sent by email to all the members of the SIC: data on telemedicine providers, service provided, reimbursement, funding and organisational solutions were collected and analysed. Results Reported telemedicine activities were mostly stable and public hospital based, focused on acute cardiovascular disease and prehospital triage of suspected acute myocardial infarction (prehospital ECG, always interpreted by a cardiologist and not automatically reported by computerised algorithms). Private companies delivering telemedicine services in cardiology (ECGs, ambulatory ECG monitoring) were also present. In 16% of cases, ECGs were also delivered through pharmacies or general practitioners. ICD/CRT-D remote control was performed in 42% of cases, heart failure patient remote monitoring in 37% (21% vital parameters monitoring, 32% nurse telephone monitoring). Telemedicine service was public in 74% of cases, paid by the patient in 26%. About half of telemedicine service received no funding, 17% received State and/or European Union funding. Conclusions Several telemedicine activities have been reported for the management of acute and chronic cardiovascular disease in Italy. The whole continuum of cardiovascular disease is covered by telemedicine solutions. A periodic census may be useful to assess the implementation of guidelines recommendations on telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natale Daniele Brunetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Zimotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Puglia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Lombardia, Italy.,Istituto Auxologico Italiano Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Ciro Indolfi
- Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Carugo
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
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10
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Molinari G, Molinari M, Di Biase M, Brunetti ND. Telecardiology and its settings of application: An update. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 24:373-381. [PMID: 28084886 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x16689432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Among the wide range of medical specialties in which telemedicine has been successfully applied, cardiology can be considered as one of the most important fields of application. Through the transmission of clinical data and the electrocardiogram, telecardiology allows access to a real-time assessment (teleconsultation) without any need to travel for both patient and cardiologist. This review discusses the impact of telecardiology in different clinical settings of application. Pre-hospital telecardiology has proved to be useful either in the clinical management of remote patients with acute coronary syndrome or in supporting the decision-making process of general practitioners. In the setting of in-hospital telecardiology, most of the applications refer to real-time echocardiography transmissions between rural small hospitals and tertiary care centres, particularly for the diagnosis or exclusion of congenital heart disease in newborns. Finally, many trials show that post-hospital telecardiology improves outcomes and reduces re-admissions or outpatient contacts in patients with heart failure, arrhythmias or implantable devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Di Biase
- 2 Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Natale D Brunetti
- 2 Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
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Electrocardiograms of Children and Adolescents Practicing Non-competitive Sports: Normal Limits and Abnormal Findings in a Large European Cohort Evaluated by Telecardiology. Sports Med 2016; 47:555-563. [DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the main fields of application for telemedicine, with benefits in almost all areas in the continuum of cardiovascular disease. The greatest impact has been shown in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, in second consultation, between non-cardiologist and cardiologist and between cardiologists, and in follow-up and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. At present, the main area of implementation for telemedicine in cardiovascular disease is represented by pre-hospital triage, with telemedicine electrocardiogram in acute myocardial infarction. Significant results have also been achieved in the second opinion consultation of pediatric subjects with congenital cardiovascular disease, home-monitoring and the management of patients affected by chronic heart failure or with an implanted device. However, there is significant room for further improvement in delivering telemedicine assistance even in 'very-remote' populations, such as detainees, patients in developing countries or in underdeveloped areas of developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simonetta Scalvini
- b U.O. Cardiologia Riabilitativa , IRCCS Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri , Brescia , Italy
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Cinaglia P, Tradigo G, Guzzi PH, Veltri P. Design and Implementation of a Telecardiology System for Mobile Devices. Interdiscip Sci 2015. [PMID: 26223546 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-015-0267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of a system for digital telecardiology on mobile devices called Remote Cardio Consultation (RCC). Using RCC may improve first intervention procedures in case of heart attack. In fact, it allows physicians to remotely consult ECG signals from a mobile device or smartphone by using a so-called app. The remote consultation is implemented by a server application collecting physician availability to answer upon client support requests. The app can be used by first intervention clinicians and allows reducing delays and decision errors in emergency interventions. Thus, best decision, certified and supported by cardiologists, can be obtained in case of heart attacks and first interventions even by base medical doctors able to produce and send an ECG. RCC tests have been performed, and the prototype is freely available as a service for testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Cinaglia
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Science, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tradigo
- Department of Computer Science, Modeling, Electronics and Systems Engineering, DIMES University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Pietro H Guzzi
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Science, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Pierangelo Veltri
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Science, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Telemedicine for cardiovascular disease continuum: A position paper from the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on Telecardiology and Informatics. Int J Cardiol 2015; 184:452-458. [PMID: 25755064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Telemedicine is the provision of health care services, through the use of information and communication technology, in situations where the health care professional and the patient, or 2 health care professionals, are not in the same location. It involves the secure transmission of medical data and information, through text, sound, images, or other forms needed for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient. First data on implementation of telemedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of acute myocardial infarction date from more than 10 years ago. Telemedicine has a potential broad application to the cardiovascular disease continuum and in many branches of cardiology, at least including heart failure, ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias. Telemedicine might have an important role as part of a strategy for the delivery of effective health care for patients with cardiovascular disease. In this document the Working Group on Telecardiology and Informatics of the Italian Society of Cardiology intends to remark some key-points regarding potential benefit achievable with the implementation of telemedicine support in the continuum of cardiovascular disease.
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Telecardiology application in jordan: its impact on diagnosis and disease management, patients' quality of life, and time- and cost-savings. Int J Telemed Appl 2014; 2014:819837. [PMID: 25400661 PMCID: PMC4225845 DOI: 10.1155/2014/819837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To assess the impact of live interactive telecardiology on diagnosis and disease management, patients' quality of life, and time- and cost-savings. Methods. All consecutive patients who attended or were referred to the teleclinics for suspected cardiac problems in two hospitals in remote areas of Jordan during the study period were included in the study. Patients were interviewed for relevant information and their quality of life was assessed during the first visit and 8 weeks after the last visit. Results. A total of 76 patients were included in this study. Final diagnosis and treatment plan were established as part of the telecardiology consultations in 71.1% and 77.3% of patients, respectively. Patients' travel was avoided for 38 (50.0%) who were managed locally. The majority of patients perceived that the visit to the telecardiology clinic results in less travel time (96.1%), less waiting time (98.1%), and lower cost (100.0%). Telecardiology consultations resulted in an improvement in the quality of life after two months of the first visit. Conclusions. Telecardiology care in remote areas of Jordan would improve the access to health care, help to reach proper diagnosis and establish the treatment plan, and improve the quality of life.
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Singh M, Agarwal A, Sinha V, Manoj Kumar R, Jaiswal N, Jindal I, Pant P, Kumar M. Application of Handheld Tele-ECG for Health Care Delivery in Rural India. Int J Telemed Appl 2014; 2014:981806. [PMID: 25368654 PMCID: PMC4195398 DOI: 10.1155/2014/981806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemonitoring is a medical practice that involves remotely monitoring patients who are not at the same location as the health care provider. The purpose of our study was to use handheld tele-electrocardiogram (ECG) developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) to identify heart conditions in the rural underserved population where the doctor-patient ratio is low and access to health care is difficult. The objective of our study was clinical validation of handheld tele-ECG as a screening tool for evaluation of cardiac diseases in the rural population. ECG was obtained in 450 individuals (mean age 31.49 ± 20.058) residing in the periphery of Chandigarh, India, from April 2011 to March 2013, using the handheld tele-ECG machine. The data were then transmitted to physicians in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, for their expert opinion. ECG was interpreted as normal in 70% individuals. Left ventricular hypertrophy (9.3%) was the commonest abnormality followed closely by old myocardial infarction (5.3%). Patient satisfaction was reported to be ~95%. Thus, it can be safely concluded that tele-ECG is a portable, cost-effective, and convenient tool for diagnosis and monitoring of heart diseases and thus improves quality and accessibility, especially in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Singh
- Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Amit Agarwal
- ICMR Centre for Evidence Based Child Health, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vineet Sinha
- Department of Electronic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - Rohit Manoj Kumar
- Department of Cardiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Nishant Jaiswal
- ICMR Centre for Evidence Based Child Health, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ishita Jindal
- ICMR Centre for Evidence Based Child Health, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Pankaj Pant
- ICMR Centre for Evidence Based Child Health, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Munish Kumar
- ICMR Centre for Evidence Based Child Health, Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Park S, Parwani AV, Aller RD, Banach L, Becich MJ, Borkenfeld S, Carter AB, Friedman BA, Rojo MG, Georgiou A, Kayser G, Kayser K, Legg M, Naugler C, Sawai T, Weiner H, Winsten D, Pantanowitz L. The history of pathology informatics: A global perspective. J Pathol Inform 2013; 4:7. [PMID: 23869286 PMCID: PMC3714902 DOI: 10.4103/2153-3539.112689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathology informatics has evolved to varying levels around the world. The history of pathology informatics in different countries is a tale with many dimensions. At first glance, it is the familiar story of individuals solving problems that arise in their clinical practice to enhance efficiency, better manage (e.g., digitize) laboratory information, as well as exploit emerging information technologies. Under the surface, however, lie powerful resource, regulatory, and societal forces that helped shape our discipline into what it is today. In this monograph, for the first time in the history of our discipline, we collectively perform a global review of the field of pathology informatics. In doing so, we illustrate how general far-reaching trends such as the advent of computers, the Internet and digital imaging have affected pathology informatics in the world at large. Major drivers in the field included the need for pathologists to comply with national standards for health information technology and telepathology applications to meet the scarcity of pathology services and trained people in certain countries. Following trials by a multitude of investigators, not all of them successful, it is apparent that innovation alone did not assure the success of many informatics tools and solutions. Common, ongoing barriers to the widespread adoption of informatics devices include poor information technology infrastructure in undeveloped areas, the cost of technology, and regulatory issues. This review offers a deeper understanding of how pathology informatics historically developed and provides insights into what the promising future might hold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Park
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Backman W, Bendel D, Rakhit R. The telecardiology revolution: improving the management of cardiac disease in primary care. J R Soc Med 2010; 103:442-6. [PMID: 20959351 PMCID: PMC2966883 DOI: 10.1258/jrsm.2010.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telecardiology allows for the remote specialist interpretation of electrocardiographic recordings via telephone transmission. It has the potential to change the way cardiac care is being delivered in the primary care setting. This review discusses the current status of cardiac care in the community, and highlights how telecardiology can help support general practitioners in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic cardiac disease, as well as provide the potential for screening opportunities in particular patients at risk. Also reviewed is the success of recent trials of a telecardiology service in the north west of England. Thanks to developments in technology and ever decreasing costs, telecardiology has the potential to save time, money and lives. Telecardiology, it would seem, is set to revolutionize cardiac care in the community, making savings and bridging the gap between primary and secondary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Backman
- University College London Medical School, University College LondonGower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Daniel Bendel
- University College London Medical School, University College LondonGower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roby Rakhit
- University College London Medical School, University College LondonGower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Free Hampstead NHS TrustPond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK
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Wootton R, Tait A, Croft A. Environmental aspects of health care in the Grampian NHS region and the place of telehealth. J Telemed Telecare 2010; 16:215-20. [PMID: 20511579 PMCID: PMC3104823 DOI: 10.1258/jtt.2010.004015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Detailed information about the composition of the carbon footprint of the NHS in the Grampian health region, and in Scotland generally, is not available at present. Based on the limited information available, our best guess is that travel emissions in Grampian are substantial, perhaps 49,000 tonnes CO(2) per year. This is equivalent to 233 million km of car travel per year. A well-established telemedicine network in the Grampian region, which saves over 2000 patient journeys a year from community hospitals, avoids about 260,000 km travel per year, or about 59 tonnes CO(2) per year. Therefore using telehealth as it has been used historically (primarily to facilitate hospital-to-hospital interactions) seems unlikely to have a major environmental impact--although of course there may be other good reasons for persevering with conventional telehealth. On the other hand, telehealth might be useful in reducing staff travel and to a lesser extent, visitor travel. It looks particularly promising for reducing outpatient travel, where substantial carbon savings might be made by reconfiguring the way that certain services are provided.
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Nikus K, Lähteenmäki J, Lehto P, Eskola M. The role of continuous monitoring in a 24/7 telecardiology consultation service--a feasibility study. J Electrocardiol 2009; 42:473-80. [PMID: 19698956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Today's coronary care unit patients include those with complicated and uncomplicated myocardial infarction, decompensated heart failure and frank cardiogenic shock, severe valvular heart disease, high-grade conduction disturbances, and incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Increasingly in modern medicine, these conditions are not seen in isolation but rather in connection with a series of additional medical comorbidities. Increased life expectancy results in an increase in the prevalence of chronic cardiovascular diseases and an increased demand for health care services. Telemedicine is the provision of health care services, through the use of information and communication technology, in situations where the health care professional and the patient, or 2 health care professionals, are not in the same location. It involves the secure transmission of medical data and information, through text, sound, images, or other forms needed for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient. Telecardiology is one of the oldest applications in telemedicine and has been largely applied during the last 10 to 20 years. This study evaluated the feasibility of remote surveillance of coronary care unit and cardiology ward patient monitoring data by a "telecardiologist" with access to electronic health care record data and digitally stored 12-lead electrocardiograms. The remote access to the hospital intranet proved to be technically feasible. Also, the server applications used over the remote connection proved to be reliable and showed robustness against network performance variations. Extending remote patient surveillance to other hospitals is possible, provided that similar electrocardiogram and electronic health care record applications are available and a remote access can be arranged to them. However, the usability from cardiologist's perspective may be degraded if connecting with multiple applications and hospital networks is needed. The study indicated potential for speeding up the diagnostic and therapeutic processes in the hospital, although the study was limited in that the telecardiologist played a passive role and did not acutely impact patient care. In the future, the system could be expanded to surveillance of smaller hospitals. Telemedicine has the potential to aid in solving the conflict between aging of population, rise in the demand for critical care services, and shortage of professional personnel. This might, however, require a more active remote surveillance than the one tested in this study. Privacy- and security-related aspects are major components of building trust and confidence in telemedicine systems. In telecardiology, the real-time interactive telemedicine model with 24/7 service has potential superior performance compared with a store-and-forward telemedicine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Nikus
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Brunetti ND, Amodio G, De Gennaro L, Dellegrottaglie G, Pellegrino PL, Di Biase M, Antonelli G. Telecardiology applied to a region-wide public emergency health-care service. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2008; 28:23-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s11239-008-0241-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vanagas G, Žaliūnas R, Benetis R, Šlapikas R. Factors Affecting Relevance of Tele-ECG Systems Application to High Risk for Future Ischemic Heart Disease Events Patients Group. Telemed J E Health 2008; 14:345-9. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2007.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rimantas Benetis
- Departments of Heart Surgery, Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Fragasso G, Cuko A, Spoladore R, Montano C, Palloshi A, Silipigni C, Monti G, Castelli A, Padiglione F, Leonida A, Margonato A. Validation of Remote Cardiopulmonary Examination in Patients With Heart Failure With a Videophone-Based System. J Card Fail 2007; 13:281-6. [PMID: 17517348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2007.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and accuracy of a videophone-based system for remote cardiopulmonary examination of patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty patients were examined by 2 cardiologists, 1 with a conventional stethoscope and 1 remotely with a videophone-based method, employing an electronic stethoscope and transmitting through an integrated services digital network line. During both sessions, the cardiologists filled out a 27-item questionnaire, which was then compared; concordance between standard and remote examination was evaluated. In 92% of patients, electronic and acoustic auscultation concurred. Only in 3 patients (4%) did teleauscultation not permit a correct interpretation of lung examination. In one patient, bilateral fine crepitant rales were not detected during teleauscultation. Conversely, in the second, patient bilateral fine crepitant rales were recognized during teleauscultation, which were not confirmed during real-life auscultation. In the third nonconcordant patient, moderate-degree wheezing was not detected during teleauscultation. Fine crepitant rales were present at the lungs lower fields in 12 and wheezing in 3 additional patients, and were always correctly identified during teleauscultation. Overall, sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value of remote lung auscultation were 88%, 97%, 94%, and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Remote cardiopulmonary examination appears as a feasible method for assessing patients with heart failure. Telestethoscopy can therefore be reliably used in the context of comprehensive telecare programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fragasso
- Clinical Cardiology-Heart Failure Unit, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
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Alesanco A, Olmos S, Istepanian RSH, García J. Enhanced Real-Time ECG Coder for Packetized Telecardiology Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 10:229-36. [PMID: 16617611 DOI: 10.1109/titb.2005.856853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A new real-time compression method for electrocardiogram (ECG) signals has been developed based on the wavelet transform approach. The method is specifically adaptable for packetized telecardiology applications. The signal is segmented into beats and a beat template is subtracted from them, producing a residual signal. Beat templates and residual signals are coded with a wavelet expansion. Compression is achieved by selecting a subset of wavelet coefficients. The number of selected coefficients depends on a threshold which has different definitions depending on the operational mode of the coder. Compression performance has been tested using a subset of ECG records from MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database. This method has been designed for real-time packetized telecardiology scenarios both in wired and wireless environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Alesanco
- Communications Technology Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Hernández C, Alesanco A, Abadia V, García J. The effects of wireless channel errors on the quality of real time ultrasound video transmission. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2006; 2006:6457-6460. [PMID: 17946374 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2006.259418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In this paper the effect of the conditions of wireless channels on real time ultrasound video transmission is studied. In order to simulate the transmission through a wireless channel, the model of Gilbert-Elliot is used, and the influence of its parameters in transmitted video quality is evaluated. In addition, the efficiency of using both UDP and UDP-Lite as transport protocols has been studied. The effect of using different video compression rates for XviD codec is also analyzed. Based on the obtained results it is observed as the election of the video compression rate depends on the bit error rate (BER) of the channel, since the election of a high compression bit rate for video transmission through a channel with a high BER can degrade the video quality more than using a lower compression rate. On the other hand, it is observed that using UDP as transport protocol better results in all the studied cases are obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hernández
- Commun. Technol. Group, Aragoń Institute fro Eng. Res., Zaragoza Univ., Spain.
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Satler LF, Kent KM, Pichard AD, Suddath WO, Laird JR, Waksman R. Internet-based teleangiography: an indispensable tool for the interventional cardiologist. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005; 64:173-81. [PMID: 15678470 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.20275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Efficient and effective communication of specific patient information between referring and consulting physicians has become increasingly important with the need to evaluate a variety of treatment strategies, including coronary bypass surgery, coronary intervention, and medical therapy, without prolonging hospital stay. Until recently, the options available were either slow (mail or courier) or costly and cumbersome (hardware-based digital solutions). eMedcon, a new, easy-to-install Internet-based software solution described in this article, offers a quick and inexpensive solution to image digital cine transfer. eMedcon was tested at our institution, Washington Hospital Center, and was found to transmit images effectively and rapidly between physicians at any Internet-accessible site and Washington Hospital Center. Our data indicate that use of eMedcon led to an increase in repeat referrals and an increase in the number of physicians choosing to refer their patients to our institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowell F Satler
- Division of Cardiology, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20010, USA.
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Pande RU, Patel Y, Powers CJ, D'Ancona G, Karamanoukian HL. The telecommunication revolution in the medical field: present applications and future perspective. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 60:636-40. [PMID: 14972207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cursur.2003.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In the present review, we analyze the achievements of telecommunication innovations in the medical field focusing on patient care and medical-education aspects. In this regard, the telecommunication revolution has offered medical professionals the possibility to transmit information of any sort zeroing transmission time latency and annihilating spatial distances. Although telemedicine is still in its infancy, multiple applications of this science have already been successfully tested. As an example, robotically mediated telesurgery has it made possible for surgeons to operate standing at a considerable distance from the operating table without even touching or directly seeing the surgical field. Moreover, medical education and medical consulting have acquired new and wider ranges of applicability thanks to the introduction of teleproctoring, telementoring, and teleconsulting. Finally, in the very near future, telepresence surgery will permit "virtual" operations on patients where surgeons can project their manual dexterity, psychomotor skills, and problem-solving ability to remote locations. In this context, telemedicine will support a more equal distribution of medical knowledge and promote excellence in patients' care even in the most disadvantaged environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi U Pande
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Gagliardi A. Use of referral reply letters for continuing medical education: a review. THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2002; 22:222-229. [PMID: 12613057 DOI: 10.1002/chp.1340220406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Referrals between generalists and specialists are a central component of the health care system and necessitate effective communication between the involved providers. Despite the high prevalence of patient referrals and their crucial role in continuity and quality of care, the medical literature demonstrates that generalists may receive little or no information about the care their patients received and little information about the appropriateness of the referral or recommendations for follow-up care. General practitioners (GPs) prefer teaching that is directly related to their clinical work rather than traditional continuing education such as formal lectures. The purpose of this review is to assess the role of referral reply letters in the continuing education of GPs. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to November 2001 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Research and Development Resource Base developed by Continuing Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, to identify studies that examined the use of referral letters for the transfer of information from specialists to referring physicians. Data on methodology, unit of analysis, main outcome measures, and results were extracted. RESULTS Of 1,250 articles retrieved, 9 met the eligibility criteria. Three of these analyzed the content of referral reply letters and 6 described the results of surveys of general and specialty physicians. DISCUSSION Little educational content is currently included in letters from specialists to referring GPs. GPs are receptive to the use of referral replies as sources of learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gagliardi
- Health Policy, Management and Evaluation Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario
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