How to improve disease management of chronically ill patients? Perception of telemetric ECG recording and a novel software application

Abstract

Background and Objective: During the last years, mobile applications and telemetry have been discussed to become an attractive tool to support and monitor patients with chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the usability and perception of both telemetry and a novel app in MS patients scheduled for an ECG due to medication adjustment or follow-up. Methods: In 211 neurological centers throughout Germany, telemetric 2-channel ECG was applied in 1082 patients with fingolimod prescriptions, who have to be subjected to ECG recording as a mandatory monitoring step. In a second approach, patients were offered to use the PatientConcept app, an application designed to ease patient-physician contact and to support patients in their daily life. Patients as well as physicians from the participating centers were surveyed to evaluate handling, acceptance and utility of both devices. Results: The majority of patients perceived telemetric ECG recording as an interesting tool and appreciated shorter waiting times. 95%, 95% and 98% of the centers believed that using telemetric ECG recording eliminates waiting times, accelerates medical reporting and provides a relief for test persons, respectively. Both, patients and physicians perceived the use of PatientConcept app as useful. Conclusion: Being both well accepted, telemetric ECG recording and the use of a mobile app might provide new concepts to improve patient care. The positive results gained in this study may help to develop new perspectives for using these tools in the future, which may constitute a relief for the complex management of chronic diseases. *Correspondence to: Michael Lang, Nervenfachärztliche Gemeinschaftspraxis Ulm Pfauengasse 8, 89073 Ulm, Germany, Tel: 0049 731 65 66 5; Fax 0049 731 65 42 0; E-mail: lang@neurologie-ulm.de