title: Clinical-technical performance and physician satisfaction with a transnational telephonic ECG system.
abstract: The effective use of cardiology hospital services could improve patient safety while shortening pre- and in-hospital stay periods using modern transtelephonic technologies and consultations by phone to follow up electrocardiograph (ECG) changes of the patients on a waiting list. The aim of this study was to assess clinical-technical performance and satisfaction with application of an international telephonic ECG system. A transnational telephonic ECG system was established between Lithuania and Germany. A follow-up study design was used to assess clinical-technical performance and user satisfaction with the system. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 34 patients were enrolled who transmitted 329 ECG's, of which 14 ECGs showed clinical changes. Of the ECGs sent 254/329 (77%) were of good quality, 9 (3%) were of moderate quality, and 66 (20%) were of bad quality. Among physicians surveyed, 77.6% were satisfied or very satisfied with telemedicine services. A telecardiology service can help to identify patients with urgent problems requiring rapid assessment at the hospital. The service has high acceptance from physicians but needs to be improved in terms of technical performance and patient compliance expectations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania. giedrius.vanagas@kmuk.lt
authors.forename: Giedrius
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vanagas
authors.forename: Remigijus
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zaliūnas
authors.forename: Rimantas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Benetis
authors.forename: Rimvydas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Slapikas
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D016507:Cardiology Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005858:Germany; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008097:Lithuania; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019114:Remote Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013689:Telephone