Aim
To perform a real-world clinical validation of the smartphone cardiac device for psychiatric patients.
Outcomes
The most significant benefit is to the consumer, where the non-invasive nature of the test means consumers can remain fully clothed.
It is one device that can be used on many patients with only three points of contact.
A significant time saving - it only takes 10 seconds to set up and 30 seconds to conduct the test.
It is more efficient than a 12-lead, with no leads or sticky dots required.
It is more affordable than a 12-lead (costing around $300 and the battery lasts about two years.)
The portable nature of the device means that non-medical staff can be equipped with these devices and perform ECG measurement in consumers' own homes, that can be reviewed by clinicians remotely with immediate feedback.
It shows the importance of local validation studies to build trust in new systems, in particular in rural and remote areas.
Background
In psychiatry, some medications uniquely affect the intrinsic timing of the heart's electrical system and it is especially important to monitor these readings when commencing or changing medications. However, until recently, this level of community monitoring was difficult, especially in a region such as far north Queensland where the sheer size and remoteness of the communities we serve often act as barriers to health care access and equity.
Mental health care in Far North Queensland (Cairns and Torres and Cape HHSs) is provided in a catchment area of 270,000 square kilometres and approximately 28% of the consumer base identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression are the main illnesses that the Mental Health Service address and all three illnesses require medication that can change the QT wave interval.
