Multicentre evaluation of a rule-based data filter for home monitoring of implanted cardioverter defibrillators

We developed a rule-based data filter for the automatic interpretation of data transmitted from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The feasibility and user acceptability of the data filter were tested in a multicentre study. Fifteen European centres analysed 10 cases each. The cases represented ICD follow-up findings, e.g. new tachycardia, battery depletion or sensing defects. The mean follow-up period was 68 days (SD 35). A questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the functionality and general concept of automatic data interpretation. A score of five or above (range 1-9) was classified as acceptable. According to the questionnaires, there was a high degree of satisfaction with the general concept of automatic data interpretation (mean 6.7, SD 1.2) and with user guidance (mean 7.1, SD 0.8). Safety (mean 7.0, SD 1.4) and accuracy (mean 6.7, SD 1.4) of the evaluation of device-related and clinical problems were regarded as high. Support in daily routine was considered to be high (mean 7.3, SD 1.1) as the system was easy to understand (mean 7.5, SD 0.9). The results indicated a high user acceptance with easy system handling.