BACKGROUND
In emergency departments, a 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is the basis for diagnosing and treating patients with chest pain. Many studies have shown that performing ECG at the right time can improve treatment outcomes. A wearable ECG with a timer can ensure its timely recording.
OBJECTIVE
Here we aimed to compare the time accuracy of single-patch 12-lead ECG with that of conventional ECG, hypothesizing that the former would show improved time accuracy.
METHODS
Among adult patients who visited the emergency room with chest pain but not in shock were randomized and divided into single-patch wireless 12-lead ECG(SP-ECG) group and conventional ECG (C-ECG) group. Of the 36 recruited patients, 33 were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was the comparison of the time taken between the two groups for recording the ECG. The average age of participants in the two groups was 63.7 and 58.1 years, respectively
RESULTS
For the first follow-up ECG, the timeliness of SP-ECG group and C-ECG group was 87.5% and 47.0%, respectively (P < .74). At the second follow-up, it was 75.0% and 35.2%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Continuous ECG minimizing interference with other examinations is possible and suitable for complex emergency department situations. However, the accuracy of single-patch ECG has not been verified. In addition, some minor issues with the device were identified. The application of SP-ECG is expected to improve overcrowding or human resource shortages in the emergency department, but further research is needed.