Revolutionizing Pediatric Epilepsy Care: An Interview with Dr. Christina Patterson on the Benefits of Zeto EEG

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP) is an integral part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, serving as the sole hospital in Greater Pittsburgh dedicated exclusively to the healthcare of infants, children, teenagers, and young adults up to approximately age 26. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the hospital is equipped with a state-verified level 1 pediatric trauma center, which is one of only four such centers in Pennsylvania. In 2022, U.S. News & World Report ranked the hospital as the sixth-best children’s hospital in the United States.

Dr. Christina M. Patterson is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Child Neurology and the Director of Epilepsy and EEG Services at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Patterson possesses clinical and research expertise in the fields of Child Neurology, Epilepsy, and Clinical Neurophysiology.

Dr. Patterson graciously shares her insights on the integration of Zeto EEG technology and its profound impact on patient care at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

How did you discover Zeto?
I came across Zeto through various online conferences, and later, a colleague inquired if I had explored the technology. This sparked my interest, prompting a deeper investigation. After considering other options, we ultimately chose Zeto.

What prompted your search for a rapid solution?
Our main goal was to improve outpatient access due to high patient volume and limited existing equipment. Additionally, our clinics are spread across various locations, necessitating a solution that caters to both volume and geographic challenges.

How has Zeto benefited UPMC?
We started using Zeto in March (2023), implementing it according to our intended usage plan. We designated a specific room for Zeto EEGs, effectively adding extra EEGs to our schedule.

How many people within your organization use Zeto headsets? What was their overall experience with the helmet?
We acquired two headsets and trained 27 technicians, in addition to other staff members. So, nearly 40 people were involved. The training process was quick and easy, as the hardware and software proved user-friendly.

What was (the UPMC EEG Tech’s) reaction to Zeto?
Resistance to new technology is common in medical and clinical settings. However, compared to my previous experiences introducing new technology, onboarding Zeto has been smoother and quicker. It has won over the staff more easily, overcoming initial resistance associated with novel advancements.

How do your patients, mostly children, react to Zeto?
Patients find the experience quicker and more streamlined, resulting in shorter visits compared to traditional setups. Overall, they respond positively to the technology.

Have you noticed any feedback from the parents of the patients?
So far, parents have shown enthusiasm, considering it a innovative and exciting new technology.

What would you say are the main advantages of Zeto EEG?
One of our objectives is to reach underserved areas, such as outreach clinics and rural locations. Zeto allows us the potential to send a doctor with a Zeto suitcase to these areas, providing efficient care without the need for a large traditional EEG machine allowing us to deliver the necessary care promptly and on-site.

Do patients find it comfortable?
Absolutely. I have personally worn the Zeto headset for extended periods and can attest to its comfort. Since it’s a single device, patients do not experience the prolonged setup time required with conventional systems.

What is your experience with the Zeto cloud platform?
My experience with the Zeto cloud platform has been fantastic. Personally, it is my number one highlight of the entire Zeto experience. The interface for reading EEGs and the cloud system are truly wonderful. The cloud is user-friendly, easy to access, and looks beautiful. I have used it on various devices, including laptops, phones, tablets, and computers, and it has consistently provided a seamless and headache-free experience. In comparison to other EMR platforms I have used, the Zeto cloud platform stands out as my favorite.

Any other feedback you would like to share?
What I have been telling my colleagues about Zeto is that the vendor-client experience has been outstanding. It has truly been one of the best experiences I have had. The Zeto team is efficient, no-nonsense, and never wastes my time. Your approach is straightforward, which is exactly what physicians want from vendors. Zeto understands exactly what we need and how to deliver it.