Integration of ECG devices into the hospital information system completely eliminated paper-based processes and associated costs, while repeat ECG rates declined from 20% pre-integration to 9.9-11.2% in the later post-integration period.
Observational
No
Does the integration of ECG devices into a hospital information system reduce paper use, costs, and repeat ECG rates in outpatient settings?
Integrating ECG devices into hospital information systems eliminates paper costs and improves data accessibility, eventually reducing repeat testing rates.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating electrocardiography (ECG) devices into a hospital information system (HIS) on paper use, cost outcomes, and data accessibility in outpatient clinical settings. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted using outpatient data collected between 2017 and 2025. The pre-integration period (2017) was compared with the post-integration period (2018–2025). Outpatient visit volumes, total ECG examinations, repeat ECG rates, paper consumption, and associated costs were analyzed. ECG devices were integrated into the HIS via an HL7-based interface, enabling data transfer to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and national health platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and presented as counts and percentages. Results: In 2017, a total of 661,329 outpatient visits and 43,548 ECG examinations were recorded, with a repeat ECG rate of 20%. Following integration, ECG data became digitally accessible through the HIS and PACS. Paper-based processes were completely eliminated, resulting in the avoidance of paper-related costs in subsequent years. During the early post-integration period (2018–2021), repeat ECG rates ranged between 19% and 21%, whereas in the later period (2022–2025), they declined to a range of 9.9–11.2%. Conclusion: Integration of ECG devices into the HIS eliminates paper-based processes, reduces operational costs, and enhances data accessibility for both healthcare professionals and patients. However, digital integration alone may not be sufficient to reduce repeat testing. These findings highlight the importance of integrated digital systems in improving efficiency and accessibility in healthcare delivery.
Cece et al. (Mon,) conducted a observational in Outpatient cardiovascular monitoring. Integration of electrocardiography (ECG) devices into a hospital information system (HIS) vs. Pre-integration period (paper-based ECG processes in 2017) was evaluated on Paper consumption, associated costs, and repeat ECG rates. Integration of ECG devices into the hospital information system completely eliminated paper-based processes and associated costs, while repeat ECG rates declined from 20% pre-integration to 9.9-11.2% in the later post-integration period.