Key result
Among 10 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a smartphone-enabled insertable cardiac monitor was well accepted and provided reassurance, though educational and interface gaps were identified.
Why the study?
Insertable cardiac monitors are increasingly used in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but little is known regarding the psychological impact this information may have on patients.
What are the patient experiences of using a smartphone-enabled insertable cardiac monitor in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
What are the patient experiences of using a smartphone-enabled insertable cardiac monitor in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Smartphone-enabled ICMs with two-way communication are well accepted by HCM patients, providing reassurance, though improvements in patient education and app data access are needed.
AIMS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited heart disease. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are increasingly used in this population to provide closer monitoring, with the potential for notification systems. However, little is known regarding the psychological impact this information may have on patients. The Abbott Confirm Rx™ ICM has the capability of connecting to the patient's smartphone to enable active participation in their care, as well as two-way communication between the patient and their care providers. This study aimed to explore individuals' experiences of having a smartphone-enabled ICM to monitor for arrhythmias in HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, the interview guide was modified based on emerging themes throughout the study. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to categorize interview data into codes and overacting themes, with each interview independently coded by two study members. Analysis revealed three key themes: (i) psychological impact, (ii) educational needs, and (iii) technology expectations. Participants reported that receiving feedback from ICM transmissions resulted in improved symptom clarity, providing reassurance, and aiding implantable cardioverter defibrillator decision-making. Some participants reported uncertainty regarding when to send manual transmissions. Lastly, participants reported the app interface did not meet expectations with regard to the amount of data available for patients. CONCLUSION: Overall, utilizing a smartphone app to facilitate two-way communication of ICM transmissions was well accepted. Future directions include addressing gaps in educational needs and improvements in the patient interface with increased access to data.
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Davies et al. (2023) studied Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (n=10). Smartphone-enabled insertable cardiac monitor (Abbott Confirm Rx™ ICM) was evaluated on Patient experiences (psychological impact, educational needs, and technology expectations). Among 10 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a smartphone-enabled insertable cardiac monitor was well accepted and provided reassurance, though educational and interface gaps were identified.
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