An improved method to evaluate the precision of computer ECG measurement programs

We present a new graphical evaluation method aimed at displaying the main characteristics of computer ECG measurement program results. The proposed graphs provide information on the number of rejected measurements and gross program errors, and on the precision of the results, i.e. the scatter of the differences between fiducial point estimates given by the programs and the reference. 'Scatter-graphs' concerning P, QRS and T wave boundary recognition from the programs participating in the European Concerted Action on 'Common Standards for Quantitative Electrocardiography (C.S.E.)' are analysed and discussed (10 standard 12-lead ECG programs and 9 Vectorcardiographic (VCG) programs from 10 European, 5 American and 1 Japanese Centers). The method proved to be a powerful tool for a direct and global qualitative comparison of the efficiency of the algorithms elaborated by the program developers, and allowed some of the strategies adopted in these programs to be highlighted.