KEY TAKEAWAY: Editorial synthesis highlighting how mobile health platforms and digital communication tools are modernizing emergency cardiovascular care workflows. Argues that integrating mobile app-based triage systems into regional health networks is vital for minimizing ischemic time and improving post-MI outcomes.
Abstract
Background
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a critical emergency. Managing care requires accurate diagnosis, shared communication between decision-makers, and timely transport and reperfusion at a hospital with capacity for such interventions. This study examines the implementation of a smartphone application (SMART AMI-ACS App) to facilitate real-time ECG sharing, enhancing communication and decision-making in STEMI management.
Methods
This multi-centre study evaluated the implementation, acceptability and uptake of the App among interventional cardiologists and emergency medicine (EM) physicians managing suspected STEMI patients between April 1st 2022 and March 31st 2023. Guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, STEMI registry data and post-implementation surveys from a large regional cardiac centre and its 13 partner emergency departments in Ontario, Canada, were used to assess App uptake and effectiveness.
Results
During the 12-month evaluation 254 (84 %) of the eligible 300 regional EM physicians downloaded the App, with > 1400 ECG images sent from 724 patients. Users reported the App helped in communication and timing of care. No degradation of ECG images was observed. App use was associated with lower door-in-door-out (DIDO) times 48 min (IQR 31–67) vs 55 min (IQR 39–77) and lower proportion of non-STEMI cases accepted to interventional cardiology (22 % vs 39 %, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Uptake of the SMART AMI-ACS App was positive and may be associated with lower non-STEMI cases and lower DIDO times. The App provided a secure channel for communication of information and point-of-care transfer of images across healthcare providers. Uptake of the App has expanded to other regions.