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A pediatric telecardiology system that facilitates integration between hospital-based services and community-based
Savina Mannarino1, Valeria Calcaterra2, Giulia Fini1
1Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy.
Insights
This pilot study demonstrates a successful pediatric telecardiology system, enabling seamless ECG transmission between clinics and hospitals. The innovative telemedicine approach achieved high user satisfaction and efficient diagnostic capabilities for community pediatric care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Telemedicine
- Digital Health
Background:
- Telecardiology facilitates collaboration between hospital and community medicine.
- A pilot study introduced an integrated pediatric telecardiology system linking primary care clinics with a hospital telemedicine platform.
- The system aimed to streamline electrocardiogram (ECG) execution, transmission, and reporting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the seamless flow of ECG data between Primary Care Pediatrician clinics and a hospital.
- To evaluate the user experience of a novel pediatric telecardiology system.
- To assess the feasibility and efficiency of remote pediatric cardiac diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Three primary care clinics participated, enrolling 158 children from January to July 2023.
- A digital ECG acquisition unit and tablets were provided to pediatricians for data transmission via a telemedicine platform.
- ECG data was transmitted from community clinics to a Hospital Pediatric Cardiologist for review.
Main Results:
- All ECG transmissions and reports were completed successfully without technical issues.
- 94.9% of children showed normal ECG findings; 70.8% of users completed satisfaction surveys.
- Despite low initial familiarity with telemedicine (51%), 90% of users were satisfied with the service.
Conclusions:
- The implemented pediatric telecardiology system serves as a valuable diagnostic tool.
- The system enhances patient management within the community setting.
- The pilot study highlights the potential of integrated telemedicine for pediatric cardiac care.
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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