Abstract
BackgroundHaving mobile devices that provide patients with the ability to record and monitor the electrical activity of their heart enhances patient self-care and the early detection of irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia), yet few such devices exist in Vietnam. Challenges exist for introducing mobile electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring devices in Vietnam, including patient accessibility and affordability. A low-cost mobile ECG monitoring device designed and developed in Vietnam, which allows patients to easily measure their heart’s electrical activity and navigate recordings, may be a solution.ObjectiveThe aim of this project is to assess the usability of the MD-Link system, a newly developed mobile handheld 1-lead ECG device, in detecting patients with irregular heartbeat. We will compare its outputs to the standard printed outputs of a 12-lead electrocardiogram generated by the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S Electrocardiograph Model ECG-1250K.MethodsWe will conduct a cross-sectional study in two stages, including the measurement of ECG signals of patients using the MD-Link and the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S and analysis of the selected standard outputs collected from the ECG recordings of the MD-Link and the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S. The MD-Link consists of (1) a mobile device (eg, a smartphone); (2) a lead wire with 2 disposable electrodes; and (3) an easy-to-use mobile app interface enabling the upload and accurate display of ECG recordings to patients and their clinicians. Our research team, consisting of members from Dartmouth College; the Institute of Health, Population and Development; Hanoi University of Science and Technology; and physicians and nurses from Thanh Chan Clinic, will assist in carrying out this project.ResultsWe will proceed with a publication plan that includes a project report and, ultimately, articles for peer-reviewed journals. We also hope to disseminate our work at relevant conferences to provide more coverage and exposure to the MD-Link mobile device. Recruitment and data collection were completed in January 2018. Data analysis started in February 2018 and is ongoing. Results are expected mid-2019.ConclusionsAt the end of this project, we will have developed and tested the MD-Link, a low-cost mobile ECG monitoring device, with some supportive comparisons to standard ECG devices commonly used in heart clinics or hospitals in Vietnam. Our long-term goal is for the MD-Link to be easily accessible, affordable, and to fit into a patient’s daily routine, thus improving the care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR1-10.2196/8762
Highlights
BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are currently the leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 17.7 million people dying annually [1,2]
At the end of this project, we will have developed and tested the MD-Link, a low-cost mobile ECG monitoring device, with some supportive comparisons to standard ECG devices commonly used in heart clinics or hospitals in Vietnam
Our long-term goal is for the MD-Link to be accessible, affordable, and to fit into a patient’s daily routine, improving the care and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
Summary
BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are currently the leading cause of death globally, with an estimated 17.7 million people dying annually [1,2]. Combined effects of population growth, aging of populations, and epidemiological changes in CVDs have resulted in increasing global deaths from CVDs [3]. Among these diseases, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke account for 80% of all the CVD deaths [2]. While CVDs are highly preventable and treatable, when detected early, accessibility to electrocardiography (ECG) services—the common and widely used method to assess cardiovascular problems—is not available at primary care level in Vietnam and its related cost is high. Challenges exist for introducing mobile electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring devices in Vietnam, including patient accessibility and affordability. A low-cost mobile ECG monitoring device designed and developed in Vietnam, which allows patients to measure their heart’s electrical activity and navigate recordings, may be a solution
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
