Home fitting of electrocardiogram (ECG) ambulatory monitors during covid-19

Abstract

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Interruption of health services during COVID-19 leading to increased risk to patients and a backlog for vital outpatient cardiac diagnostic services. Purpose To safely deliver ambulatory ECG monitors whilst reducing risk to patients and staff by providing monitors to be fitted at home. Methods A system was developed whereby monitors were set up for the patient/carer to collect a preassembled pack and fit at home using videos/written instructions. A retrospective evaluation was undertaken over four months (12/4/20 – 12/08/20) through feedback questionnaires containing closed and open-ended questions. Results Of a total of 726 ECG ambulatory monitors fitted in this period 60% were self-fitted. 97 patients gave feedback (13.3%). 84.4% of patients were satisfied with the process. 58.33% felt safer fitting it at home as 40% were fitted in-house due to limitations e.g. elderly/wheelchair/pregnant patients and/or those without access to view the videos. 6 monitors (<1%) were refitted due to artefact/early disconnection. Improvement suggestions implemented included simplifying instructions and adding specific information for female electrode placement. Conclusions This project enabled vital cardiac diagnostics whilst maintaining social distancing - reducing infection risk and achieving high patient satisfaction. Implementing a locker system will decrease differing instructions and positively impact waiting times to further reduce viral transmission risks.