The Practical Utility of the Postal Service in Delivering a
Self-Wearable, Long-Term ECG Monitoring Device for Outpatient Care
Abstract
Introduction: In the COVID-19 era, demand is growing for remote ECG
monitoring systems with less or no in-person contact. However, the
practical usage of wearable ECG devices has been little studied in
Japan. This study aimed to report our initial experience of using the
postal system in the delivery of the self-wearable ECG device (Duranta)
and long-term ECG monitoring in outpatient care. Methods: The
Duranta is small, light (35 g), and easy to attach to the chest with two
patch electrodes. Real-time ECG data were automatically transmitted to a
cloud server via iPhones. The devices were packed in prepaid envelopes
that could be put in any postbox for delivery between the hospital and
patients’ homes. Results: Twenty-five patients (61 ± 17 years) were
enrolled. The median distance to the hospital from the patients’ homes
was 10 km (range: 1.1–183). The patients had no difficulties with
either the postal delivery or wearing the ECG devices. A total of 57
hours (range: 20–179) of ECG monitoring per patient was performed, and
the data were successfully transmitted to the hospital. The median
percentage of noise/artifact burden during the ECG monitoring was 0.9%.
Arrhythmic events were observed in 8 patients. Most patients were
satisfied with the ECG system and delivery via the postal service.
Conclusion: The use of a postal delivery of a wearable ECG device could
work in clinical practice with to achieve less or no in-person contact.
This system can be applicable for telehealth, home care, and arrhythmia
screening.