title: Heart Watch: national survey of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in U.S. hospitals.
abstract: How is electrocardiographic monitoring being carried out in various settings? From results of a national survey, the authors describe unit characteristics and monitoring equipment and identify staff roles for carrying out related activities. Although much diversity was found, involvement in monitoring activities was highly consistent with the varying skill mixes in critical care, intermediate care, and "other" units responding. Data regarding the role of monitor technicians in this process raise questions about the viability of this role.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: George
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000458:organization & administration; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States