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Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults
Published on: January 26, 2019
Usefulness of lung sound data collection using Skeeper SM-300® device: A pilot study
Sue In Choi1, Yujin Jeong2, Won Jai Jung1
1Division of Respiratory, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|May 13, 2026
Summary
A new digital stethoscope, Skeeper SM-300®, offers a credible and accurate alternative to traditional stethoscopes. This electronic device demonstrates non-inferiority and high diagnostic accuracy for lung sound auscultation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Digital Health
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Digital stethoscopes are evolving for non-contact healthcare and AI-driven data collection.
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote patient monitoring solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the novel Skeeper SM-300® digital stethoscope.
- To assess its non-inferiority compared to conventional stethoscopy for lung sound auscultation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-center, investigator-blinded study involving 64 participants with various respiratory conditions.
- Simultaneous recording of lung sounds using Skeeper SM-300® and a conventional stethoscope.
- Classification of lung sounds (normal, crackle, wheezing, decreased) by three specialist raters.
Main Results:
- The Skeeper SM-300® demonstrated statistically significant agreement with conventional stethoscopy (kappa values ranging from 0.80 to 0.83).
- Wheezing sounds were most accurately identified; diagnostic accuracy for deep breathing sounds was nearly perfect.
- Most patients reported comfort using the digital device, and tidal breathing sound acceptability showed fair agreement.
Conclusions:
- The Skeeper SM-300® electronic stethoscope is a credible device with high accuracy, comparable to conventional stethoscopes.
- This digital auscultatory device is a viable substitute for traditional analogue stethoscopes in clinical practice.
