Decreasing unnecessary use of continuous cardiac monitoring (telemetry) in hospitalised patients

### What you need to know Since its development in 1949, in-hospital continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (hereinafter "telemetry") has become increasingly important for clinical care of hospitalised patients.1 Telemetry is used for a variety of applications, including diagnosis and monitoring of arrhythmias, detection of myocardial ischaemia, and monitoring of ST segments and QT intervals. Specialist societies around the world have published practice standards to inform clinicians when telemetry should be used.234 Appropriate clinical indications are listed in box 1 and include patients with suspected or confirmed acute coronary syndromes, acute decompensated heart failure, high grade arrhythmias, post-cardiac arrest, severe electrolyte derangements, use of certain medications, and ingestion of pro-arrhythmic agents.234 Box 1 ### Indications for appropriate continuous electrocardiographic monitoring recommended by international specialist societies #### Agency for Clinical Innovation's Clinical Practice Guide (Australia)2RETURN TO TEXT