Open Access

Introduction: The Apple Watch valuably records event-based electrocardiograms (iECG) in children, as shown in recent studies by Paech et al. In contrast to adults, though, the automatic heart rhythm classification of the Apple Watch did not provide satisfactory results in children. Therefore, ECG analysis is limited to interpretation by a pediatric cardiologist. To surmount this difficulty, an artificial intelligence (AI) based algorithm for the automatic interpretation of pediatric Apple Watch iECGs was developed in this study. Methods: A first AI-based algorithm was designed and trained based on prerecorded and manually classified i.e., labeled iECGs. Afterward the algorithm was evaluated in a prospectively recruited cohort of children at the Leipzig Heart Center. iECG evaluation by the algorithm was compared to the 12-lead-ECG evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist (gold standard). The outcomes were then used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the Apple Software and the self-developed AI. Results: The main features of the newly developed AI algorithm and the rapid development cycle are presented. Forty-eight pediatric patients were enrolled in this study. The AI reached a specificity of 96.7% and a sensitivity of 66.7% for classifying a normal sinus rhythm. Conclusion: The current study presents a first AI-based algorithm for the automatic heart rhythm classification of pediatric iECGs, and therefore provides the basis for further development of the AI-based iECG analysis in children as soon as more training data are available. More training in the AI algorithm is inevitable to enable the AI-based iECG analysis to work as a medical tool in complex patients.

Dementia affects individuals with various symptoms such as memory loss, word-finding difficulties and inhibited thought processes. The condition requires an environment adapted to the abilities and deficits of those affected. This study focuses on the use of multisensory tools in German nursing homes to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia, with an emphasis of assessing willingness to pay. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among German long-term care facilities using an online questionnaire, to assess willingness to pay for a newly developed multisensory product - described as the treasure box (“Schatzkästchen”). The study identified an acceptable price range for the treasure box of 30 EUR and 70 EUR. The survey indicates a need for analogue, multisensory products that can be used to activate and relax individuals with dementia. The findings emphasise the importance of addressing tactile and visual senses and suggest that care must be taken when determining the price of such products, considering the limited payment willingness of German nursing homes.