Advancements In Cardiovascular Technology: Wireless Monitoring of Heart Rhythms

Doctors from Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla conducted on the validity of using a Zio Patch to monitor heart rhythms on emergency room patients who may have a possible arrhythmia. A Zio patch is a wireless, ambulatory cardiac monitor that adheres to the skin for 14 days. The purpose of this study was to improve patient care and a way for emergency room patients to avoid unnecessary follow-up care, but also it’s a way to detect patients who have a dangerous arrhythmia in a comfortable manner and is less invasive. Of the 285 patients from Scripps, Stanford Hospital and Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas who entered the emergency rooms with possible arrhythmia signs and symptoms were given a Zio Patch. After the Zio patch is no longer adhering to the skin then patient’s were instructed to mail it back with a prepaid envelope given to them. The doctor would then study the data and follow up on patients who had threatening or different types of arrhythmia. It is also compared to the Holter monitor which is a wired, cardiac monitor; however, it limits the things and is uncomfortable for patients. Furthermore, the Zio Patch is able detect arrhythmia better than a Holter monitor.

The advancements in cardiovascular technology alone is amazing. I did not only look at this website, but others as well from fellow classmates and it is amazing to see how far we are coming. I think that using technology to improve patient care and outcome is important as long as we do not forget to continue to see our patients as humans and not machines. Furthermore, it is important to continue to deliver compassionate care as well. I think that the combination of technology and human compassion will benefit the healthcare industry and consumer satisfaction as long as we do not forget that we are all humans are not seen as the machines (the machines that are or will be keeping us alive). I think as nurses and future nurses we should be aware of the technological advancements that are out there and the advancements in health information applications that are on smartphones. We should review the applications on the mobile devices before we recommend or offer the application as another resource of information for our patients to ensure it is understandable and accurate information.

Reference

http://www.scripps.org/news_items/4217-scripps-doctors-study-novel-new-device-to-diagnose-irregular-heart-beat