Authors' recommendations: Overall, the quantity and quality of studies comparing telecardiology consultation programs to usual care were low. In many studies, the patients in the telehealth and control groups were not equivalent, raising concerns about selection bias. One study was conducted in Canada, and the generalizability of the findings of economic studies that are conducted outside Canada is limited.The literature suggests that the implementation of clinic- or hospital-based telecardiology programs is feasible in communities with limited access to cardiovascular specialists. Because of the limitations of the evidence, conclusions about diagnostic accuracy or impact on patient outcomes cannot be made.Telecardiology programs reduce the number of patients who are required to travel to access care. This may reduce the travel costs of patients or health care payers. The cost of telecardiology programs is affected by the volume of patients using the service, with higher volumes reducing the per-patient cost of acquiring and operating telemedicine equipment.None of the studies reported on wait times, and limited information was available on patient satisfaction with telecardiology programs. There is limited evidence available to guide decision-makers planning to implement telecardiology consultation services in their jurisdiction.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/H0501_Telecardiology_Report_e.pdf

Year Published: 2010

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)