Abstract
BackgroundIncreasing numbers of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and limited follow-up capacities highlight unmet challenges in clinical electrophysiology. Integrated software (MediConnect®) enabling fully digital processing of device interrogation data has been commercially developed to facilitate follow-up visits. We sought to assess feasibility of fully digital data processing (FDDP) during ambulatory device follow-up in a high-volume tertiary hospital to provide guidance for future users of FDDP software.MethodsA total of 391 patients (mean age, 70 years) presenting to the outpatient department for routine device follow-up were analyzed (pacemaker, 44%; implantable cardioverter defibrillator, 39%; cardiac resynchronization therapy device, 16%).ResultsQuality of data transfer and follow-up duration were compared between digital (n = 265) and manual processing of device data (n = 126). Digital data import was successful, complete and correct in 82% of cases when early software versions were used. When using the most recent software version the rate of successful digital data import increased to 100%. Software-based import of interrogation data was complete and without failure in 97% of cases. The mean duration of a follow-up visit did not differ between the two groups (digital 18.7 min vs. manual data transfer 18.2 min).ConclusionsFDDP software was successfully implemented into the ambulatory follow-up of patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. Digital data import into electronic patient management software was feasible and supported the physician’s workflow. The total duration of follow-up visits comprising technical device interrogation and clinical actions was not affected in the present tertiary center outpatient cohort.
Highlights
Increasing numbers of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and limited follow-up capacities highlight unmet challenges in clinical electrophysiology
Patient characteristics A total of 391 patients presenting for ambulatory followup of cardiac pacemakers (n = 173; 44%), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) (n = 154; 39%), or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices (n = 64; 16%) were included (Tables 1 and 2)
Manual transfer of device interrogation data was employed in 126 cases (32%), whereas fully digital data processing (FDDP) using M ediConnect® software was used in 265 patients (68%)
Summary
Increasing numbers of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and limited follow-up capacities highlight unmet challenges in clinical electrophysiology. Integrated software (MediConnect®) enabling fully digital processing of device interrogation data has been commercially developed to facilitate follow-up visits. During conventional follow-up visits, device data obtained through the programmer are transferred manually into paper-based patient records or electronic patient management systems and device identification documents. To optimize quality and duration of CIED follow-up visits, an integrated software package (MediConnect®) has been developed, enabling digital processing of device follow-up data. Digital transfer of interrogation data between the programmer and electronic patient management systems is expected to result in increased efficiency with concurrent improvement in reporting quality. The normalization results in a uniform follow-up process for different devices and manufacturers which may improve workflow productivity
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