title: Improving the interpretation of electrocardiographs in an accident and emergency department.
abstract: In this study we have examined the ability of senior house officers in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department to interpret electrocardiographs (ECGs) and tested the value of a single seminar and guidelines on interpretation. We prospectively audited ECG interpretation taken from notes over a two-month period and repeated this audit following a single seminar by a consultant cardiologist and after the issue of guidelines. A formal test of interpretation of a set of 20 ECGs by senior house officers in A&E was also carried out. 245 case notes were reviewed and in one third the ECG was interpreted incorrectly by senior house officers in A&E but incorrect clinical management followed in only 3.2% of cases. Following the intervention, 242 case notes were reviewed and serious misinterpretations were halved as was the number of patients mismanaged as a result (1.7%). In conclusion, formal training in ECG interpretation can reduce serious errors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Woodmansey
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Channer
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D011446:Prospective Studies