From Bedside to Broadband: The Role of Digital Stethoscopes in Connected Care - Abstract
Digital stethoscopes represent a major advancement in the field of telemedicine by enabling accurate remote auscultation. Equipped with high-fidelity acoustic sensors, real-time signal processing, and artificial intelligence integration, these devices allow clinicians to record, analyze, and transmit heart and lung sounds with high diagnostic reliability. Their use within telehealth platforms significantly enhances the quality of diagnosis, chronic disease monitoring, and emergency care, particularly in remote or resource-limited settings. Clinical studies have confirmed their diagnostic equivalence to traditional in-person auscultation. However, widespread adoption still faces challenges, including economic accessibility, clinician training, regulatory frameworks, and data privacy concerns. Digital stethoscopes are emerging as key tools in connected healthcare, contributing to a more decentralized, responsive, and equitable care system.