The following is a summary of “Exploring the challenges to using telecardiology as perceived by pre-hospital emergency care personnel: a qualitative study,” published in the December 2023 issue of Emergency Medicine by Bijani et al. 

The utilization of telecardiology, as an integral part of advanced medical services, plays a crucial role in delivering essential care to cardiac patients facing life-threatening emergencies. However, pre-hospital emergency care personnel encounter specific challenges in the implementation of telecardiology, negatively impacting their performance. Thus, this study aimed to explore the challenges associated with using telecardiology, as perceived by pre-hospital emergency care personnel in Southern Iran.

The study adopts a qualitative research approach employing content analysis. Nineteen pre-hospital emergency care personnel were purposefully selected and interviewed in a semi-structured, personal, and in-depth manner. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman in 2004.

The qualitative data analysis revealed three main themes and eight subthemes. The primary themes included professional barriers such as insufficient clinical knowledge and skills in telecardiology, concerns about violating patients’ privacy, and the absence of clinical guidelines. Additionally, medical equipment and telecommunication barriers encompassed challenges with poor reception, ineffective communication methods, and issues related to the low battery charge of tele-electrocardiogram machines. Furthermore, organizational management barriers highlighted a severe shortage of available cardiologists for medical counseling and a lack of continuous personal development opportunities for telecardiology personnel.

In conclusion, senior managers in pre-hospital emergency care services are advised to utilize the study results to identify influential factors affecting the adoption of telecardiology. Taking necessary measures to address these barriers is crucial for optimizing the use of telemedicine, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to cardiac patients.

Source: bmcemergmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12873-023-00913-8