Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review

Astrid N.L. Hermans, Monika Gawalko, Lisa Dohmen, Rachel M. J. van der Velden, Konstanze Betz, David Duncker, Dominique V. M. Verhaert, Hein Heidbuchel, Emma Svennberg, Lis Neubeck, Jens Eckstein, Deirdre A. Lane, Gregory Y. H. Lip, Harry J. G. M. Crijns, Prashanthan Sanders, Jeroen M. Hendriks, Nikki A. H. A. Pluymaekers, Dominik Linz

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)
52 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to systematically review the available literature on mobile Health (mHealth) solutions, including handheld and wearable devices, implantable loop recorders (ILRs), as well as mobile platforms and support systems in atrial fibrillation (AF) detection and management. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed (NCBI), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane were searched for articles published until 10 February 2021, inclusive. Given that the included studies varied widely in their design, interventions, comparators, and outcomes, no synthesis was undertaken, and we undertook a narrative review. Results: We found 208 studies, which were deemed potentially relevant. Of these studies included, 82, 46, and 49 studies aimed at validating handheld devices, wearables, and ILRs for AF detection and/or management, respectively, while 34 studies assessed mobile platforms/support systems. The diagnostic accuracy of mHealth solutions differs with respect to the type (handheld devices vs wearables vs ILRs) and technology used (electrocardiography vs photoplethysmography), as well as application setting (intermittent vs continuous, spot vs longitudinal assessment), and study population. Conclusion: While the use of mHealth solutions in the detection and management of AF is becoming increasingly popular, its clinical implications merit further investigation and several barriers to widespread mHealth adaption in healthcare systems need to be overcome. Graphic abstract: Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)479-491
Number of pages13
JournalClinical Research in Cardiology
Volume111
Issue number5
Early online date21 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).

Keywords

  • Atrial fibrillation
  • mHealth
  • mobile platforms
  • mobile Health
  • implantable loop recorders
  • ILRs
  • AF
  • wearable devices
  • personal digital assistants
  • PDAs
  • patients
  • treatment
  • health care

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mobile health solutions for atrial fibrillation detection and management: a systematic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this