Utilization of smart technology for pediatric cardiac consultations in acute care settings: Pediatricians’ perspective

Abstract

Objectives Smart technology (ST) is starting to be integrated into cardiology medical practice. Therefore, this work aims to assess the extent of ST utilization among young pediatricians in acute pediatric cardiology consultations. Methods Between December 2021 and May 2022, a survey was distributed online to pediatricians linked to emergency services regarding pediatric cardiology consultations. The questionnaire was formulated to gather demographic data of participants, ST devices, and applications used. Questions explored cardiac diseases and acute presentations where ST was used. Pediatrician’s perspective of the benefits, outcome, limitations, and drawbacks of this consultation form was investigated. Results Smartphones were the most used ST device 83/85 (97.65%) for acute cardiac consultation in pediatrics, especially messaging applications such as WhatsApp (92.94%); none of participants chose emails or simple short message service. The most accurately transferred data were vitals, laboratory results, and electrocardiogram. Arrhythmia was reported as the disease benefits the most from ST consultations. Starting supportive therapy was the highest immediate benefit from pediatricians’ perspectives. Although it could not impact mortality, ST was thought to shorten the waiting time for consultations by 65 (76.47%). The major ST limitation was network coverage difficulties (50.58%), and possible consultation delay was the significant drawback in acute settings. Conclusion Smartphones are widely utilized for pediatric cardiac consultations in acute conditions, especially messaging applications. Most acute cardiac consultations are performed for heart failure and arrhythmia in children with the high benefit of shortening the waiting time for preliminary cardiac specialized opinion. However, several concerns about the limitations and drawbacks of ST use in acute cardiac specialty consultations warrant further research and organization.