Telemedicine pre-hospital electrocardiogram for acute cardiovascular disease management in detainees: An update

Abstract

Introduction.-Medical assistance for detainees is often hampered by logistic and procedural limitations. Telemedicine may represent the solution by which such limitations can be overcome. We therefore report an update on an experience of remote telemedicine support by pre-hospital electrocardiograms and remote tele-consultation with a cardiologist implemented in a group of Italian penitentiaries. Methods.-Eleven State penitentiaries situated in Apulia (South-Eastern Italy) were provided with a pocket electrocardiogram recorder. The electrocardiograms were interpreted by a remote cardiologist available 24/7, which also gave a brief consultation. Results.-A total 3213 pre-hospital electrocardiograms were performed from January 2008 to October 2014. In 1.1% of pre-hospital electrocardiograms a supra-ventricular tachycardia was found: pre-hospital electrocardiogram showed in 7.2% anomalies suggestive for acute myocardial ischemia, in 0.8% an ST-elevation requiring immediate transfer for primary PCI.