title: Guidelines for the provision of echocardiography in Canada: recommendations of a joint Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Society of Echocardiography Consensus Panel.
abstract: Recognizing the central role of echocardiographic examinations in the assessment of most cardiac disorders and the need to ensure the provision of these services in a highly reliable, timely, economical and safe manner, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Society of Echocardiography undertook a comprehensive review of all aspects influencing the provision of echocardiographic services in Canada. Five regional panels were established to develop preliminary recommendations in the five component areas, which included the echocardiographic examination, the echocardiographic laboratory and report, the physician, the sonographer and indications for examinations. Membership in the panels was structured to recognize the regional professional diversity of individuals involved in the provision of echocardiography. In addition, a focus group of cardiac sonograhers was recruited to review aspects of the document impacting on sonographer responsibilities and qualification. The document is intended to be used as a comprehensive and practical reference for all of those involved in the provision of echocardiography in Canada.
authors.affiliation: Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Canada.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sanfilippo
authors.forename: David
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authors.lastname: Bewick
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authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Bibiana
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authors.lastname: Cujec
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Dumesnil
authors.forename: George
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authors.lastname: Honos
authors.forename: Brad
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authors.lastname: Munt
authors.forename: Zion
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sasson
authors.forename: James
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authors.lastname: Tam
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tomlinson
authors.forename: Ayman
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authors.lastname: Aboguddah
authors.forename: Shaheeda
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authors.forename: Mohamed
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authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Marie
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authors.lastname: Arsenault
authors.forename: Kathryn
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authors.lastname: Ascah
authors.forename: Tom
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authors.lastname: Ashton
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.forename: Arsene
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Basmadjian
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Beique
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blakeley
authors.forename: Marie-Josee
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Blais
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burggraf
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Burwash
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cochrane
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fagan
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giannoccaro
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jue
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Koilpillai
authors.forename: Marie-Helene
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Leblanc
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Londry
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Reilly
authors.forename: Corey
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sawchuk
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siu
authors.forename: Randy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sochowski
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tremblay
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Welikovitch
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D012955:Societies, Medical