Digital Health in EP and Beyond-Digital Health in EP and Beyond

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this session on digital health in electrophysiology (EP) and beyond, speakers focused on integrating digital tools to improve care for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and associated conditions like sleep apnea. DJ Lakharedi discussed a model employing digital health to streamline the pathway from emergency rooms (ER) to electrophysiologists, reducing the time to definitive therapy for AF patients. Implementing a structured referral system within electronic medical records improved access to subspecialists, leading to quicker treatment initiation, reduced hospital visits, and improved patient outcomes.<br /><br />Rohit Mehta explored the comparison between wearables and implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs) for long-term arrhythmia monitoring. While wearables offer non-invasive and accessible real-time data, ICMs provide continuous monitoring crucial for rare or asymptomatic arrhythmias. Both have roles in patient care, emphasizing that a tailored approach based on arrhythmia type, symptoms, and costs is necessary. Wearables empower patients but require active participation and compliance.<br /><br />Bren Summers addressed sleep apnea's impact on AF development. He showcased various technologies designed to detect AF and sleep apnea, highlighting the need for consistent nightly monitoring due to the variable nature of sleep apnea. Devices like the Apple Watch, BodyGuardian, and the Withings Sleep Mat, and solutions like the beds from Sleep Number were examined for their potential in integrated health monitoring.<br /><br />Overall, leveraging digital tools and structured pathways can enhance patient care in EP by improving early detection, monitoring, and management of conditions like AF and sleep apnea, ultimately leading to better outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens.

Keywords

digital health

electrophysiology

atrial fibrillation

sleep apnea

wearables

implantable cardiac monitors

patient care

early detection

health monitoring

electronic medical records