Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 14, 2025

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

24.4K

A Systems-Based Morbidity and Mortality Conference Was Associated With a Transient Reduction in ECG Completion Times

Andrew E Levy1, Melanie D Whittington, Tyler J Anstett

  • 1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (Drs Levy, Anstett, Simon, Carter, and Ho); Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado (Dr Levy); University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Aurora (Dr Whittington), and UCHealth, Aurora, Colorado (Mr Wentworth).

Quality Management in Health Care
|November 1, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A monthly cardiology conference (MMC) briefly improved electrocardiogram (ECG) completion times for routine and now orders. However, the impact on stat-priority ECGs was minimal, highlighting the need for lasting solutions to sustain improvements in patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Healthcare Quality Improvement
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • A near-miss patient safety event involving delayed stat-priority electrocardiograms (ECGs) was reviewed.
  • The University of Colorado Division of Cardiology held a morbidity and mortality conference (MMC) to address this issue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if the MMC was associated with reduced ECG completion times.
  • To analyze the impact of the MMC on ECG completion stratified by priority (Stat, Now, Routine).

Main Methods:

  • An interrupted time series analysis was conducted on in-hospital ECG data from January 2017 to June 2018.
  • Completion times and the percentage of delayed Stat-priority ECGs were analyzed before and after the MMC (February 28, 2018).

Main Results:

  • The proportion of delayed Stat-priority ECGs increased to 20% before the MMC.
  • The MMC was associated with immediate reductions in completion times for Routine (-18.4 min) and Now (-8 min) ECGs.
  • No significant reduction in completion time for Stat ECGs was observed, though the increase in delays stopped.

Conclusions:

  • The MMC led to a temporary improvement in ECG completion times.
  • The study highlights the need for more sustainable interventions to maintain improvements in ECG turnaround times.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

1.0K
Reduced Procedure Time and Variability with Active Esophageal Cooling During Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation04:58

Reduced Procedure Time and Variability with Active Esophageal Cooling During Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: August 25, 2022

2.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
988
Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring01:23

Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...
444
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
3.8K
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
49
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
93