Computerized ECG interpretation in ambulatory health care services--optimal configuration of the "heart station".

The paper presents a method for optimization of the configuration of a computerized "heart station" (for interpretation of electrocardiograms from large ambulatory populations). The optimization model takes into account several factors that affect efficiency and acceptance of the newly introduced technology. Efficient operation may be determined by minimizing cost/ECG or maximizing number of ECGs/technician/hr. If the acceptance of new computerized medical technologies is expected to be gained smoothly and rapidly, great attention should be paid to the acutal "interfacing" of the new devices with patients and operators. The concerned model is general enough to assist in decisions concerning various technologies and is not limited to computerized ECG interpretation systems only.