Patient experience with a novel patch-like external loop recorder for cardiac arrhythmia detection in India

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is reaching pandemic proportions in India. The effects of CVD are disastrous for the Indian economy as the disease strikes in the prime working ages of the labor force. The great need for therapeutic and diagnostic options combined with pressure on cost containment place emphasis on the development of low cost, credible, point of care diagnostic tools to pinpoint issues in cardiac health for the Indian consumer. A previous study of 125 patients in India examined a novel external loop recorder (ELR) for ambulatory ECG monitoring with high yield and compliance. The current study probes the patient experience, inclusive of patient comfort, ease of use, clarity of the diagnostic report, and value of the ELR. The analysis shows that 85% found this ELR comfortable to wear and deploy, 77% responded with no challenges with the use of this ELR, 60% mentioned they were inclined to seek treatment after this ELR was deployed, and 60% found good value in the device. The results indicate that this particular ELR is a high performing device with excellent patient satisfaction, indicating that the device is a suitable tool for diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia in India.