Key result
GPs achieve ~93% sensitivity diagnosing AF or flutter from single-lead ECGs.
Why the study?
Little is known about general practitioners' single-lead electrocardiogram interpretation skills and their reliability in real-world practice.
What is the diagnostic accuracy of general practitioners in diagnosing atrial fibrillation or flutter using single-lead ECGs compared to a panel of cardiologists?
Cross-Sectional (n=457)
What is the diagnostic accuracy of general practitioners in diagnosing atrial fibrillation or flutter using single-lead ECGs compared to a panel of cardiologists?
General practitioners demonstrate high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting atrial fibrillation on single-lead ECGs, allowing safe rule-out, but low positive predictive value necessitates expert confirmation of suspected abnormalities.
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May enable safe AF rule-out by GPs on single-lead ECGs; leaves open need for expert confirmation before changing practice.
Karregat et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Atrial fibrillation or flutter (n=457). Single-lead ECG interpretation by general practitioners vs. Cardiologist panel interpretation was evaluated on Sensitivity for diagnosing atrial fibrillation or flutter (95% CI 82.5-97.0). General practitioners diagnosing atrial fibrillation or flutter from single-lead ECGs achieved a sensitivity of 92.5% (95% CI 82.5-97.0%) and specificity of 89.8% (95% CI 85.5-92.9%).
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