Telemetry Monitoring: Are Admission Criteria Based on Evidence?

Telemetry monitoring is a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of heart rhythm. Telemetry beds are limited in number and expensive^1–3 ; 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 beds^1,3,6–9  (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, facilitating ongoing treatment plans.^3,10  The PICO (problem, intervention, control, outcome) question crafted for this review was, “For hospitalized adults, what criteria are used...