Feasibility of a Novel Strategy for Cardiovascular Screening During the Preparticipation Physical Examination

To determine the feasibility of simultaneously conducting history and physical (H&P), limb-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and preparticipation echocardiography by frontline providers (PEFP) at one screening station.

This cross-sectional study compares limb-lead versus 12-lead ECG as part of a preparticipation physical examination (PPE) including H&P and PEFP conducted in year 1 and year 2 on 2 cohorts (n = 36, n = 53, respectively) of college athletes at one institution. Year 1 screening was conducted at 3 stations, one station per screening component. Time to complete each station was recorded, and total time for screening was the summation of times for each station. Year 2 screening was conducted at one station; timing began when the patient entered the room and ended when all 3 components of screening were complete. An unpaired t test was used to compare the mean time difference between years 1 and 2 screening stations.

Year 1 screening time was significantly longer than time to complete cardiac screening using the year 2 protocol (10.51 ± 1.98 vs 3.96 ± 1.43 minutes, respectively; P < 0.001). Five athletes in year 1 and 3 athletes in year 2 were referred to cardiology for further evaluation; all athletes were ultimately cleared to participate.

A comprehensive PPE can be completed in a timely fashion using a single screening station and limb-lead ECG to improve efficiency, while still allowing providers to gather information on history, physical examination, heart rhythm, and heart structure. This strategy may serve as a potential solution in the longstanding debate over best practices for PPEs.