Deficiencies in ECG Interpretation

The accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram is a linchpin of cardiovascular diagnosis, and yet studies have repeatedly reported deficiencies in physician performance. To summarize the literature, investigators conducted a systematic review of 78 studies with more than 10,000 participants.

Some of the studies were part of interventions to improve electrocardiographic interpretation. Overall, the pooled accuracy was 42% among medical students, 56% among residents, and 69% among practicing physicians. Among cardiologists and cardiology fellows, the pooled accuracy was 75%. Training improved performance, but marked gaps remained (median accuracy, 67%). Performance differed little based on the complexity or simplicity of the electrocardi…