"Tele-Eeg": Can the Ipad Improve Accessibility for A New Frontier of Eeg Interpretation?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine whether the use of the iPad can provide an acceptable alternative to the traditional laptop for remote EEG interpretation. BACKGROUND: Although the fundamental principles of recording an EEG have been unchanged for decades, the advances in digital technology has greatly advanced the field. The latest frontier of technology has been the invention of wireless technology and mobile devices (i.e. the iPad). DESIGN/METHODS: Mayo Clinic Arizona epilepsy division offers EEG reading services at four different institutions across the state of Arizona, termed “tele-EEG,” where they have remote access for intrepretation to all locations. There are two different EEG acquisition systems (Natus and Nihon-Koden) and two different methods to provide remote access (VMWare and Citrix). The iPad was compared to a standard laptop (HP EliteBook 2540p) and on-campus desktop access. RESULTS: The cost of the iPad was significantly less than the laptop with a lighter weight and comporable screen resloution. The greatest disadvantage to the iPad over the laptop is screen size. Boot-up time was significantly longer for the laptop and desktop (2:19 and 3:38 versus 0:40). When remoting into all four insitiutions, the iPad was the same or faster as compared to the laptop or desktop, with the exception of being physically on-campus to open an EEG study. When comparing the laptop versus the iPad over a wifi network, there was no significant difference in performance when reading EEG. Of note, the 4G LTE nework had comporable performance as compared to wifi. CONCLUSIONS: With high volumes of EEGs, and multiple systems and facilities to read from, the efficiency of technology is essential to many physician practices. Despite the marginally smaller screen size; the ease of use, accessibility, and reliability make the use of the iPad a viable option for its integration into the tele-EEG practice. Disclosure: Dr. Hoerth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Drazkowski has received research support from NeuroPace, Inc., and NeuroVista. Dr. Noe has received research support from NeuroPace. Dr. Sirven has received personal compensation for activities with UCB Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Sirven has received research support from Neuropace Inc, and NIH.