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The Practical Utility of the Postal Service in Delivering a Self-Wearable, Long-Term ECG Monitoring Device for Outpatient Care
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  • Mitsuru Takami,
  • Koji Fukuzawa,
  • kunihiko kiuchi,
  • makoto takemoto,
  • Toshihiro Nakamura,
  • jun sakai,
  • atsusuke yatomi,
  • Kazutaka Nakasone,
  • Yusuke Sonoda,
  • Kyoko Yamamoto,
  • Hiroyuki Takahara,
  • Yuya Suzuki,
  • Kenichi Tani,
  • Ken-ichi Hirata
Mitsuru Takami
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Koji Fukuzawa
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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kunihiko kiuchi
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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makoto takemoto
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Toshihiro Nakamura
Kobe University
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jun sakai
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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atsusuke yatomi
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Kazutaka Nakasone
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Yusuke Sonoda
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Kyoko Yamamoto
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Hiroyuki Takahara
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Yuya Suzuki
Akashi Medical Center
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Kenichi Tani
Kobe University Hospital
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Ken-ichi Hirata
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
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Abstract

Introduction: In the COVID-19 era, demand is growing for remote ECG monitoring systems with less or no in-person contact. However, the practical usage of wearable ECG devices has been little studied in Japan. This study aimed to report our initial experience of using the postal system in the delivery of the self-wearable ECG device (Duranta) and long-term ECG monitoring in outpatient care. Methods:   The Duranta is small, light (35 g), and easy to attach to the chest with two patch electrodes. Real-time ECG data were automatically transmitted to a cloud server via iPhones. The devices were packed in prepaid envelopes that could be put in any postbox for delivery between the hospital and patients’ homes. Results: Twenty-five patients (61 ± 17 years) were enrolled. The median distance to the hospital from the patients’ homes was 10 km (range: 1.1–183). The patients had no difficulties with either the postal delivery or wearing the ECG devices. A total of 57 hours (range: 20–179) of ECG monitoring per patient was performed, and the data were successfully transmitted to the hospital. The median percentage of noise/artifact burden during the ECG monitoring was 0.9%. Arrhythmic events were observed in 8 patients. Most patients were satisfied with the ECG system and delivery via the postal service. Conclusion: The use of a postal delivery of a wearable ECG device could work in clinical practice with to achieve less or no in-person contact. This system can be applicable for telehealth, home care, and arrhythmia screening.