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Multitasking and the technical quality of the electrocardiogram.
Isabella C Y Lau1, Deborah L Walton, Carlos A Basualdo
1Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology
|February 5, 2002
Summary
High rates of unacceptable electrocardiograms (ECGs) were found due to multitasking. ECG technologists produced significantly higher quality ECGs than non-ECG technologists, impacting patient care and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are crucial for diagnosing cardiac conditions.
- Accurate ECG acquisition is vital for timely and correct patient diagnosis and treatment, especially for acute myocardial infarction.
- Multitasking personnel at the University of Alberta Hospital acquire ECGs, posing potential quality challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality and effectiveness of ECG acquisition at the University of Alberta Hospital.
- To compare ECG acquisition quality between specialized ECG technologists and other hospital staff.
Main Methods:
- A review of all adult ECGs acquired between January 1 and June 30, 2000, at the University of Alberta Hospital.
- ECGs were categorized as unacceptable if patient demographics were missing or technical quality compromised interpretation.
Main Results:
- Out of 25,509 ECGs, 13,849 were by ECG technologists and 11,660 by non-ECG technologists.
- Unacceptable ECG rates were 0.08% for ECG technologists versus 32% for non-ECG technologists.
- Unacceptable ECGs incurred an estimated annual cost of $100,000.
Conclusions:
- Multitasking significantly increases the rate of unacceptable ECGs.
- A substantial disparity exists in ECG acquisition quality between trained ECG technologists and other staff.
- Poor ECG quality leads to diagnostic delays, legal risks, and increased healthcare expenses.