In this case series, we present several examples from participants (2 patients and 1 healthy control) of a 12-week pilot feasibility study to create a digital phenotype of depression (unipolar or bipolar) through active and passive data collection from a smartphone and a wearable device combined with routine clinical care for mood disorders. The selected cases represent real clinical examples that highlight the intrinsic challenges that should be expected when conducting similar studies, including appropriate health data privacy protection, clinical standardization, and interindividual differences in levels of engagement and acceptability of active and passive data collection (ie, self-reported, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological data), particularly with patient-generated data in mobile apps, digital proficiency habituation, and consistent use of wearable devices. In the context of the rapidly growing use of digital technologies in psychiatry, anticipating challenges for the integration of personal mobile devices and smartphone mental health apps as aides to track specific aspects of depressive disorders is critical for a clinically meaningful digital transformation of mood disorders care.
ISHNE/EHRA expert consensus on remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs)
Abstract We are in the midst of a rapidly evolving era of technology-assisted medicine. The field of telemedicine provides the opportunity for highly individualized medical management in a way that has never been possible before. Evolving medical technologies using cardiac implantable devices (CIEDs) with capabilities for remote monitoring permit evaluation of multiple parameters of cardiovascular physiology and risk, including cardiac rhythm, device function, blood pressure values, the presence of myocardial ischaemia, and the degree of compensation of congestive heart failure. Cardiac risk, device status, and response to therapies can now be assessed with these electronic systems of detection and reporting. This document reflects the extensive experience from investigators and innovators around the world who are shaping the evolution of this rapidly expanding field, focusing in particular on implantable pacemakers (IPGs), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), devices for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) (both, with and without defibrillation properties), loop recorders, and haemodynamic monitoring devices. This document covers the basic methodologies, guidelines for their use, experience with existing applications, and the legal and reimbursement aspects associated with their use. To adequately cover this important emerging topic, the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology (ISHNE) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) combined their expertise in this field. We hope that the development of this field can contribute to improve care of our cardiovascular patients.
EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the management of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in patients nearing end of life or requesting withdrawal of therapy
Abstract The purpose of this Consensus Statement is to focus on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) deactivation in patients with irreversible or terminal illness. This statement summarizes the opinions of the Task Force members, convened by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), based on ethical and legal principles, as well as their own clinical, scientific, and technical experience. It is directed to all healthcare professionals who treat patients with implanted ICDs, nearing end of life, in order to improve the patient dying process. This statement is not intended to recommend or promote device deactivation. Rather, the ultimate judgement regarding this procedure must be made by the patient (or in special conditions by his/her legal representative) after careful communication about the deactivation's consequences, respecting his/her autonomy and clarifying that he/she has a legal and ethical right to refuse it. Obviously, the physician asked to deactivate the ICD and the industry representative asked to assist can conscientiously object to and refuse to perform device deactivation.