Computerized ECG interpretation requires over-reading by an experienced physician to prevent clinical mismanagement due to diagnostic inaccuracies.
Computerized interpretation of the electrocardiogram (CIE) was introduced to improve the correct interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG), facilitating health care decision making and reducing costs. Worldwide, millions of ECGs are recorded annually, with the majority automatically analyzed, followed by an immediate interpretation. Limitations in the diagnostic accuracy of CIE were soon recognized and still persist, despite ongoing improvement in ECG algorithms. Unfortunately, inexperienced physicians ordering the ECG may fail to recognize interpretation mistakes and accept the automated diagnosis without criticism. Clinical mismanagement may result, with the risk of exposing patients to useless investigations or potentially dangerous treatment. Consequently, CIE over-reading and confirmation by an experienced ECG reader are essential and are repeatedly recommended in published reports. Implementation of new ECG knowledge is also important. The current status of automated ECG interpretation is reviewed, with suggestions for improvement. Original language English Pages (from-to) 1183-1192 Number of pages 10 Journal Journal of the American College of Cardiology Volume 70 Issue number 9 DOIs https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.07.723 Publication status Published - 29 Aug 2017 Keywords algorithms software HEART-ASSOCIATION ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY OF-CARDIOLOGY-FOUNDATION SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT ARRHYTHMIAS COMMITTEE CLINICAL CARDIOLOGY AHA/ACCF/HRS RECOMMENDATIONS EARLY REPOLARIZATION QT INTERVAL DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMANCE ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION
Schläpfer et al. (2017) studied this question.