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Bruce Koplan, MD, can turn on his computer and obtain important data transmitted by his patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). Thanks to a new remote monitoring technology, Koplan can review device data from his office while his patients remain in the comfort of their own homes.
BWH is one of the first academic medical centers in the Boston area to use a remote monitoring system, through which doctors and patients connect via the Internet to perform routine device check-ups without an in-person appointment. Since the program began at BWH in January, more than 300 patients have enrolled.
“Remote monitoring is an extremely important new technology,” Koplan said. “It allows me to access a detailed summary of each patient’s implantable defibrillator measurements and programming as well as any arrhythmias that may have occurred. It provides added convenience and safety for the patients by allowing them a mechanism to have their device checked quickly and remotely.”
Koplan and his colleagues Laurence Epstein, MD, Michael Sweeney, MD, Usha Tedrow, MD, and Christine Albert, MD, comprise the arrhythmia device team at BWH. They recognize the tremendous benefits of remote monitoring and are actively enrolling their patients in this program. Once a patient transmits the device data over the telephone line to a secure Web server, doctors and nurses can view the information on a secure Web site within minutes. Currently, ICD patients are required to have three to four office visits annually for device follow-up.
The technology is designed to be easy to use for patients. They participate in scheduled remote monitoring checks, where data is downloaded from their devices, which is easily accessible on the physician’s computer. Patients download the device data through a monitor and sit back as it automatically dials a toll-free number through their home telephone lines.
“This system is extremely efficient and easy to use,” Sandra Valpey Cordts, a BWH patient who lives in Falmouth, said. “It saves me three hours in the car, and it’s comforting to know that I can connect with my doctor quickly if an emergency arises.”
Julie Shea, NP, said, “Remote monitoring saves patients and doctors valuable time while maintaining the same level and quality of patient care.”