Introduction: we analyze our initial experience with the decentralization of pacemaker follow-up visit (PFV) from the hospital to local Specialized Care Centers (SCCs) by remote monitoring transmission.
Methods: .58 patients with pacemakers and internal loop recorder Medtronic™ with parameters autochecking and remotetransmission capacities. We collected clinical and pacemaker characteristics and performed an initial consultation for programming and inclusion in the monitoring transmission system. Later we performed the first remote PFV at the local SCCs by nurse with real time hospital assessment by the electrophysiologist. All patients passed two evaluation questionnaires.
Results: : in relation to the PFV in the local SCCs, 42 patients (82%) considered it better, 8 (16%) equal and 1 (2%) worse. However, most of patients (48 -94%) preferred it. 5 patients (10%) had to be r in the hospital (4 for our incorrect programming and 1 for patient preference). The rest of variables are shown in tables.
Conclusions: PFV decentralization to the local SCCs by remote transmission is technically feasible, reliable and quick to make with clear benefits for patients.