Practical Utility of the Postal Service in Delivering a Self-Fitted, Wearable, Long-Term Electrocardiogram Monitoring Device for Outpatient Care

Background: Demand is growing for remote electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems in the COVID-19 era in Japan. This study describes initial experiences with a small wireless ECG monitoring device and the utility of delivery via the postal service for outpatient care in Japan. Methods and Results: Long-term ECG monitoring following postal delivery of the small ECG device was evaluated in 25 patients. The patients had no difficulties with either the postal delivery or self-fitting and wearing the devices. A median of 57 h monitoring per patient was performed. Arrhythmic events were detected in 8 patients. Most patients were satisfied with both the ECG devices and postal delivery. Conclusions: Postal delivery of ECG devices could be used in clinical practice to achieve less or no in-person contact during the COVID-19 era.