JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Having mobile devices that provide patients with the ability to record and monitor the electrical activity of their hearts enhances patient self-care and the early detection of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), yet few such devices exist in Vietnam. Challenges exist for introducing mobile electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring devices in Vietnam, including patient accessibility and affordability. A low cost mobile electrocardiography monitoring device designed and developed in Vietnam, that allows patients to easily measure their heart’s electrical activity and navigate recordings may be a solution.

Objective:

The aim of this project is to assess the usability of a newly developed mobile ECG device, MD-Link, through the comparison of its outputs to the standard printed outputs from a 12-lead electrocardiogram, the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S Electrocardiograph Model ECG-1250K.

Methods:

We will conduct this study in two stages: measurement of the ECG signals of patients using the MD-Link and the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S, and analysis of the selected standard outputs collected from the ECG recordings of the MD-Link and the Nihon Kohden Cardiofax S. The MD-Link consists of (1) a mobile device (e.g. a smartphone), (2) two active dry electrodes as ECG touch sensors enabling convenient recording of ECG signals, and (3) an easy-to-use mobile application interface enabling the upload and accurate display of ECG recordings to patients and their clinicians. Our research team consisting of members from Dartmouth College, the Institute of Health, Population and Development (PHAD), Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), and physicians and nurses from International Clinics Thanh Chan will assist in carrying out this project.

Results:

We will proceed with a publication plan that includes a project report and ultimately articles for peer-reviewed journals. We also hope to disseminate our work at relevant conferences to provide more coverage and exposure to the MD-Link mobile device.

Conclusions:

At the end of this project, we will have developed and tested the MD-Link, a low cost mobile ECG monitoring device with some supportive comparisons to standard ECG devices commonly used in heart clinics or hospitals in Vietnam. Our long-term goal is for the MD-Link to be easily accessible, affordable and to fit into a patient’s daily routine, thus increasing the levels of patient cardiovascular health.