Using digital stethoscopes in remote patient assessment via wireless networks: the user’s perspective

Abstract

Digital stethoscopes assume an important role in telehealth and mobile (m-) health for capturing sounds over a communication infrastructure. However, few studies have explored the users’ experiences and views on using the current models of digital stethoscopes on a telehealth network. The authors were provided with an Australian Research Council grant to explore the possibilities of developing a suitable digital stethoscope that would function at acceptable levels with Queensland State-wide Telehealth Services. A major Indian university is collaborating in this research. As an initial step, users’ views and feedback were sought for using a digital stethoscope on a telehealth platform and these were reported in this paper in a consolidated manner. The issues identified in the multiple-case study cover the aspects of sound quality, signal transmission, hardware/software design, functionality, and cost considerations. The finding of this study can assist researchers and practitioners in making informed decisions for procuring digital stethoscopes, as well as providing useful information to the manufacturers in designing future digital stethoscopes.