The use of a traditional nonlooping event monitor versus a loan-based program with a smartphone ECG device in the pediatric cardiology clinic

Background: A smartphone-enabled device has been developed that provides a single-lead electrocardiogram using a portable monitor. The increase in direct-to-consumer medical devices may lead to health disparities affecting members of socially disadvantaged populations.

Objective: Here we provide a single center's experience in the use of this device in a pediatric cardiology clinic using a loan-based program. We also compare it to retrospective data from patients who received a traditional nonlooping event monitor.

Methods: Forty AliveCor Kardia monitor devices were purchased with grant support from the South Carolina TeleHealth Alliance. The devices were provided between June 2018 and August 2019 to patients presenting to the pediatric cardiology clinic who would have otherwise received a nonlooping event monitor. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who were given a MicroER nonlooping event monitor between May and December of 2017.

Results: Over a 15-month period, 65 patients were given the smartphone device. A total of 692 tracings were recorded by patients with 9 abnormal recordings. Of the devices expected to be returned, 35 devices have been returned to clinic (54%). Over an 8-month period, 61 patients received the traditional event monitors, accounting for a total of 142 transmissions with 3 abnormal transmissions.

Conclusion: Our results reveal adequate use of the device with reliable tracings and show more frequent utilization of the smartphone-enabled device. Utilization of these devices in a loan-based program may improve access to care with improved methods to ensure return of the devices.