Telemetry Monitoring: Are Admission Criteria Based on Evidence?

monitoring of heart rhythm. Telemetry beds are limited in number and expensive1-3; therefore, their use should be evidence based.4,5 The 2004 American Heart Association (AHA) practice standards for electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring are often not followed and rigorous criteria for inpatient telemetry admissions are often not systematically used, resulting in overcrowding in emergency departments and inpatient monitored beds1,3,6-9 (Table 1). Monitored beds are often occupied by patients who require only frequent nursing care rather than cardiac monitoring.5,6 Few studies have been done to determine whether inpatient telemetry monitoring is beneficial3 and accurately confirms the initial clinical impression, TelemeTry moniToring: Are Admission CriTeriA BAsed on evidenCe?