Impact of Wechat-based prehospital data transmission on reperfusion times in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective observational study.
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) · 2026-09-30 · Observational study
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is important for the treatment of patients. A Class I evidence demonstrates that every 30-minute delay in PCI is linked to a 7.5% relative increase in 1-year mortality1 "WeChat" is a convenient communication tool that enables the transmission of patient information ‒ including basic details, condition assessments, and relevant laboratory results ‒ to the receiving hospital via WeChat-based transmission. Simultaneously, patients are rapidly transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment. Thus, the hospital can receive patient information before their arrival, thereby significantly reducing diagnosis and treatment time. This integrated model is collectively referred to as WeChat-based transmission. Therefore, the early activation of WeChat-based emergency medical services transmission plays a critical role in improving patient prognosis. The present study sought to investigate the use of WeChat-based transmission in patients with acute STEMI. METHODS: 409 eligible STEMI patients (May 2022-November 2024) were grouped by WeChat-based transmission use: 96 in the observation group and 313 in the control group. Baseline data, medical history, and key times (S-to-FMC, d-to-B, TIT) were compared. Factors influencing WeChat-based transmission use were analyzed via SPSS 22.0 (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: 96 (23.4%) patients in the WeChat-based transmission group and 313 (76.6%) patients in the N-WeChat group were enrolled. S‑to‑FMC time was associated with lower median values in the WeChat‑based transmission group (median 75 vs. 120 minutes, p < 0.05); similar patterns were seen for D‑to‑B time (50 vs. 67 minutes, p < 0.05) and total ischemia time (121.5 vs. 150.0 minutes, p < 0.05). Shorter time to Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) diagnosis, as well as shorter D‑to‑B and TIT times, were observed among patients in the WeChat‑based transmission group relative to patients in the non‑WeChat‑based transmission group. CONCLUSION: WeChat-based transmission was associated with shorter S-to-FMC, d-to-B, and TIT times during patient transfer for PCI. However, it is not fully used for transporting chest pain patients in and around Shijiazhuang City. Therefore, strengthening WeChat-based transmission function in public education of pre-hospital rescue remains the focus of our future work.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Communication & handover · Telemedicine · Time intervals
Related articles
- Smartphone App for Prehospital ECG Transmission in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Activation: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. (JMIR Res Protoc, 2024)
- Reducing Door-to-Balloon Time Using EMS-Initiated App-Based Communication. (J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv, 2024)
- The STAT-MI (ST-Segment Analysis Using Wireless Technology in Acute Myocardial Infarction) trial improves outcomes. (JACC Cardiovasc Interv, 2011)
- Reducing STEMI Treatment Delays: A Quality Improvement Project at a Rural Community Hospital. (JACC Case Rep, 2025)
- Impact of a Prehospital Chest Pain Alert App-Mediated Prehospital-in-Hospital Coordination Model on Treatment Delays and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Protocol for a 4-Year Retrospective Real-World Cohort Study. (JMIR Res Protoc, 2026)
- Significant benefits of new communication technology for time delay management in STEMI patients. (PLoS One, 2018)