Skip to main content

Evidence to Improve Care

Remote Monitoring of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, and Permanent Pacemakers

 

Final Recommendation

  • Health Quality Ontario, under the guidance of the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee, recommends publicly funding remote monitoring for patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with or without a defibrillator, and permanent pacemakers

Read the Final Recommendation Report

 

People suffering from certain types of heart failure, or an abnormal heart rate or rhythm, may have one of several electronic devices implanted (e.g., a defibrillator or a pacemaker). Generally, people with these implanted devices are monitored through in-person clinic visits to check that the device is functioning properly and to assess their heart. But in-clinic monitoring of these devices can be a burden for people who have difficulty traveling or who live far from a clinic.

With remote monitoring, information from the device is recorded and sent to health care professionals securely by phone or over the internet. This may help people with implanted electronic cardiac devices by allowing earlier detection of heart issues and device malfunction and may benefit the health care system by potentially reducing the number of times people with cardiac devices need to visit a clinic.

Health Quality Ontario looked at how effective, safe, and cost-effective remote monitoring is for people with implanted electronic cardiac devices. We also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding remote monitoring and the preferences, values, and experiences of people with implanted electronic cardiac devices.

Read the full Health Technology Assessment report for more information.

 

Remote Monitoring of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, and Permanent Pacemakers: A Health Technology Assessment
October 2018

Use of this site, and the interpretation of the information contained here, is subject to important terms and conditions. Use of this site and information except in accordance with these terms and conditions is expressly prohibited.

 
The Ministry of Health endorses this recommendation.

The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review Health Quality Ontario recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.



Let’s make our health system healthier

Join Our Patient, Family and Public Advisors Program

Patients, families and the public are central to improving health quality.


Man smiling

Sign up for our newsletter

Are you passionate about quality health care for all Ontarians? Stay in-the-know about our newest programs, reports and news.

Health Quality Connect - Health Quality Ontario's newsletter - on an iPad and a cell phone