Electronic Health Records and Consumer Wearables

Electronic health records (EHRs) have become integral to everyday clinical practice and hold significant potential as powerful tools for guiding diagnostic decision-making. While often criticized for their complexity and data overload, EHRs contain vast amounts of patient information—medications, labs, imaging, and history—that, when effectively integrated, can support more precise, individualized care. The challenge lies in refining and presenting this data through clinical decision support systems at the point of care, helping clinicians choose the most appropriate diagnostic tests based on the patient’s unique profile. Rather than being a barrier, a well-designed EHR can help avoid repetitive or unnecessary testing by offering actionable insights that streamline clinical workflows.

Consumer wearable devices and patient-driven rhythm monitoring have emerged as useful adjuncts to traditional cardiac monitoring. Initially viewed with concern due to potential data inundation, these devices can now complement prescribed monitors, especially when patients can record rhythm strips and share them directly with their care teams. This empowers patients, reduces anxiety, and helps clinicians clarify diagnoses in cases of infrequent symptoms like palpitations. While not yet a primary diagnostic tool, wearables have shown promise in reliably detecting arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, thus augmenting clinical practice without overwhelming providers.

Beyond rhythm monitors, it’s important to recognize that diagnosing symptoms like syncope often requires a broader clinical approach. Cardiac imaging, lab tests, and other diagnostic tools play crucial roles in evaluating underlying causes such as structural heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. A comprehensive, patient-centered evaluation that combines technological tools with clinical judgment optimizes outcomes and resource use, ensuring the right test is used at the right time for the right patient.