Feasibility of patch-type wireless 12-lead electrocardiogram in laypersons

Abstract

Various efforts have been made to diagnose acute cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) early in patients. However, the sole option currently is symptom education. It may be possible for the patient to obtain an early 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) before the first medical contact (FMC), which could decrease the physical contact between patients and medical staff. Thus, we aimed to verify whether laypersons can obtain a 12-lead ECG in an off-site setting for clinical treatment and diagnosis using a patch-type wireless 12-lead ECG (PWECG). Participants who were ≥ 19 years old and under outpatient cardiology treatment were enrolled in this simulation-based one-arm interventional study. We confirmed that participants, regardless of age and education level, can use the PWECG on their own. The median age of the participants was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 56–62 years), and the median duration to obtain a 12-lead ECG result was 179 s (IQR = 148–221 s). With appropriate education and guidance, it is possible for a layperson to obtain a 12-lead ECG, minimizing the contact with a healthcare provider. These results can be used subsequently for treatment.

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“…Simplification of ECG acquisition and digital processing could provide potential benefits in clinical practice. New systems are currently developed such as a patch-type wireless 12-lead ECG ( 31 ) allowing a layperson to acquire a 12-lead ECG in a median time of 3 min. Currently, digital processing of ECGs seems mandatory to store them, transfer them for analysis by a cardiologist directly or after triage through a dedicated algorithm ( 32 ).…”