Key result
A literature review found that ECG electrode placement accuracy varies widely from 16-90%, highlighting poor adherence to guidelines and the need for mandatory training.
Why the study?
More than 1 million ECGs are recorded daily, prompting an examination of the accuracy of electrode placement during standard 12-lead electrocardiograph recording and the consequences of inaccuracy.
Inaccurate ECG electrode placement is common (accuracy 16-90%) and can lead to misdiagnosis, highlighting the need for mandatory training and assessment.
Variable ECG placement risks misdiagnosis; leaves open whether mandatory training improves accuracy in practice.
More than 1 million ECGs are recorded every day. This literature review examined the accuracy of electrode placement (EP) when acquiring a standard 12-lead electrocardiograph recording (STLER), and the consequences of inaccuracy. The findings showed that EP accuracy varies from 16–90%, and standards and guidelines on EP are not being adhered to. Poor EP can mean under- or overdiagnosis, which can increase morbidity and mortality, or mean that patients receive unnecessary treatment or hospitalisation. Mandatory, appropriate training and assessment, including before an operator is allowed to acquire a STLER and refresher training for ECG operators, are recommended.
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Bickerton et al. (2019) conducted a review in ECG electrode placement accuracy. A literature review found that ECG electrode placement accuracy varies widely from 16-90%, highlighting poor adherence to guidelines and the need for mandatory training.
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