[Is computed interpretation of electrocardiograms suitable for a general medicine department?]

Computed interpretation of electrocardiograms may be needed as French hospitals are divided into units in which physicians belonging to other specialities than cardiology may be in charge of internal medicine patients. We experimented two rival systems: SADE and CARDIONICS. Recordings were taken in the wards, on paper and magnetic tape. The computer, called by telephone, read the tape, interpreted the data, and printed conclusions and measurements. No useful information was provided in any of the 32 first patients studied (mean age: 71). The machine made our situation worse, as we were repeatedly prompted to call in a cardiologist without sufficient reason. A rejection reaction was observed. Telephone problems in French hospitals, losses of time, errors of manipulation, sometimes unintelligible language, and inappropriate material are discussed from the point of view of the internist. We did not consider the problems of cardiologists, screeners and archivists. In non-universitary hospitals, the needs may be greater, calling for improvements in software and hardware.