Survey of clinical echocardiography in New Zealand (SCANZ).
OBJECTIVE
In New Zealand, we have neither guidelines nor data regarding the provision of echocardiography and disparities between regional echocardiography are believed to exist. The purpose of this study was to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of clinical use of echocardiography within New Zealand (NZ).


METHODS
Over a 1-week period (5/12/2005-11/12/2005) echocardiography laboratories around NZ (tertiary, secondary hospitals, and private practices) sent copies of their echo reports and referral forms (with patient identifiers removed) to a central site. Demographic information, clinical indication, measurements performed, and interpretation were collated, recorded, reviewed, tabulated, and entered into a Microsoft Access database.


RESULTS
1498 echoes were performed, 92% were transthoracic examinations. Adult examinations comprised 83% of the echocardiograms performed: median age was 61.7 years (interquartile range 47.3 to 74.1) and 56% were male. The three most common primary clinical indications were: left ventricular (LV) function (43%), valve disease (14%), and murmur (7.5%). Seventy-five percent reported abnormal findings. There was wide disparity in the population adjusted rates of echoes performed across NZ's district health boards.


CONCLUSIONS
This prospective survey provides a contemporary overview of echocardiography in NZ and highlights the inherent geographical disparity in echocardiography utilisation throughout the country.
Bridgman
Paul G
PG
Cardiology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ashrafi
Akbar N
AN
Mann
Stewart
S
Whalley
Gillian A
GA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data