Returning Cardiac Rhythm Data to Patients: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Spurred by federal legislation, professional organizations, and patients themselves, patient access to data from electronic cardiac devices is increasingly transparent. Patients can collect data through consumer devices and access data traditionally shared only with health care providers. These data may improve screening, self-management, and shared decision-making for cardiac arrhythmias, but challenges remain, including patient comprehension, communication with providers, and sustained engagement. Ways to address these challenges include leveraging visualizations that support comprehension, involving patients in designing and developing patient-facing digital tools, and establishing clear practices and goals for data exchange with health care providers.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Cardiac electrophysiology; Cardiac implantable electronic devices; Consumer electrocardiogram devices; Heart rhythm; Mobile health applications; Remote monitoring; Visualization.