An integrated care solution for the electrocardiogram monitoring

Purpose This study has demonstrated how technology may contribute to integrated care solutions by comparing conventional ward telemetry (WT) to a wearable ECG monitor (S-Patch) to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with stroke. Design/methodology/approach 51 patients admitted for stroke workup were recruited across two major tertiary centres to compare WT monitoring for two days versus S-Patch for four days in the detection of AF. The efficacy to detect AF using both technologies was assessed via data extractions and medical officer review. A matrix was used to measure nursing/patient satisfaction and setup/resource times were assessed. Findings Patients (84-94%) and nursing staff (75-95%) preferred the S-Patch wearable technology. Non-parametric tests indicated significant time saving for removal of S-Patch versus WT [2.2 min vs 5.1 min (p = 0.00)]. Efficacy of S-Patch to detect AF following medical officer review was greater than WT, with seven patients identified with AF by S-Patch versus one using WT. The S-patch had a false positive rate of 78%. Research limitations/implications The S-Patch is sensitive in the detection of AF; however, it showed a high false-positive rate with automated reporting. This study has provided insight into the details of delivery of integrated healthcare using wearable technology. Originality/value The technology and partnership were the first-in-kind in Australia. The S-Patch had a higher detection rate of AF compared to WT which allows patients to be anti-coagulated appropriately for the prevention of further stroke. The results of this study will be ideally placed to inform future policy in integrated healthcare using new technologies.

Automated summary

This study compared conventional ward telemetry (WT) to a wearable ECG monitor (S-Patch) for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in stroke patients, finding that the S-Patch was preferred by patients and nursing staff and had a higher accuracy in detecting AF, despite a high false positive rate.