A panel of experts recommended that remote monitoring become the standard of care for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), according to a consensus statement from the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). The statement was published online in Heart Rhythm on May 13.
Since HRS published its consensus statement on remote monitoring in 2008, randomized trials have compared remote monitoring with in-person evaluations. The researchers have found remote monitoring improved patient adherence and workflow efficiency.
The researchers defined remote interrogation as the routine, scheduled, remote device interrogations structured to mirror an in-office check-up and remote monitoring as the automated transmission of data based on pre-specified alerts related to device functionality and clinical events.
In the updated consensus statement, the panel suggested patients should utilize remote monitoring and also visit a doctor in-person at least once per year. The group also said patients should be informed about the benefits and limitations of remote monitoring before it is implemented. In addition, CIEDs should be checked within 12 weeks of being implanted.
HRS said the statement was made in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology, Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society, American Heart Association, Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, European Heart Rhythm Association and Latin American Society of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology.
Executive Editor
Tim Casey joined TriMed Media Group in 2015 as Executive Editor. For the previous four years, he worked as an editor and writer for HMP Communications, primarily focused on covering managed care issues and reporting from medical and health care conferences. He was also a staff reporter at the Sacramento Bee for more than four years covering professional, college and high school sports. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA degree from Georgetown University.