Postal Delivery Method
Figure 1D shows how the ECG devices are delivered. The Duranta,
iPhone, battery charger, and electrode patches were surrounded by
cushioning materials and packed in a small paper box. The box and
written instructions for the ECG device were put
in a pre-paid envelope (Letter
Pack Light, Japan Post). The Letter Pack Light format can be used to
send items that weigh up to 4 kg with thickness up to 3 cm. The price is
370 yen (≒$3.50) throughout
Japan, including tracking and confirmation of delivery. When the ECG
devices were sent from the hospital to patients’ homes, the package
included a return envelope. The Letter Pack can be put in any postbox in
Japan. Usually, the Letter Pack arrived at their destinations in 1–2
days.
The postal delivery of the ECG devices was performed in two different
ways called the “One way” and the “Two way” (Figure 2 ).
“One way” indicates that the patients attached the ECG devices when
they visited a outpatient clinic. After long-term ECG monitoring at
home, they sent the devices back to the hospital by post. “Two way”
indicates that medical staff sent the ECG devices to patients’ homes by
post on a prearranged day and the patients attached the device at home.
After long-term ECG monitoring, the patients sent the devices back to
the hospital by post. All ECG devices and iPhones were sterilized with
an 80% ethyl alcohol swab after they were returned to the hospital. The
electrode patches were disposable.