Key result
KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG is preferred by ~87% of users over standard ECG approaches.
Why the study?
Antipsychotic medications require routine ECG monitoring due to cardiac risks, but traditional 12-lead ECGs increase patient anxiety and procedural burden in mental health settings, and the acceptability and clinical utility of portable 6-lead ECG devices remain underexplored.
Does a portable 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc measurement improve acceptability, user experience, and efficiency compared to standard 12-lead ECG in mental health service users on antipsychotics?
Observational (n=161)
Does a portable 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc measurement improve acceptability, user experience, and efficiency compared to standard 12-lead ECG in mental health service users on antipsychotics?
A portable 6-lead ECG with instant QTc calculation is highly preferred and potentially more efficient than traditional 12-lead ECGs for monitoring psychiatric patients on antipsychotics.
High preference supports acceptability gains; leaves open efficiency for QTc monitoring in antipsychotic users.
Introduction Antipsychotic medications are associated with cardiac risks necessitating routine ECG monitoring, as recommended by national and international guidelines. Traditional 12-lead ECGs often increase patient anxiety and procedural burden in mental health settings. Recent technological advancements have introduced portable 6-lead ECG devices with instant QTc calculation. However, their acceptability and clinical utility in psychiatric practice remain underexplored. Objectives To evaluate the acceptability, user experience, and efficiency of the KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc measurement, compared with both manual QTc 6-lead and standard 12-lead ECGs, among mental health service users and clinical staff during antipsychotic medication initiation and monitoring. Methods This real-world evaluation involved 161 service users and six mental health teams. Participants underwent ECG monitoring with 6-lead device with instant QTc calculation and traditional 12-lead ECG. Preferences, satisfaction, and experiences regarding privacy, dignity, invasiveness, and accommodation of personal beliefs were recorded. Staff preferences, procedural times, and cost implications were analysed. Results The majority of service users (86.6%) and staff (89%) preferred the 6-lead device with instant QTc calculation. Service users reported reduced anxiety and high satisfaction regarding privacy and dignity. Implementation of the instant QTc 6-lead device was associated with streamlined workflows, faster clinical decision-making, and improved patient and staff experiences. Cost and time analyses suggested improved efficiency compared to traditional ECG approaches. Conclusions The KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc calculation demonstrates high acceptability and operational efficiency in mental health settings, supporting its integration into antipsychotic medication pathways. Wider adoption of portable ECG technology may enhance person-centred, clinically effective, and resource-efficient care in psychiatry. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bennett et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Patients requiring QTc monitoring during initiation and monitoring of anti-psychotic medication (n=161). KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc measurement vs. Manual QTc 6-lead and standard 12-lead ECGs was evaluated on Preference for the 6-lead ECG device. The KardiaMobile 6-lead ECG device with instant QTc calculation was preferred by 86.6% of service users and 89% of staff compared to traditional ECG approaches.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: