PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ECG TO PHYSICIAN INTERPRETATION TIME IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Interpretation of ECGs at first instance is crucial for the diagnosis and management of a number of acute cardiac conditions encountered in the emergency departments (ED). Moreover, it will enhance information processing. This research assesses the ECG-to-physician interpretation time (EPIT) in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This was a prospective, observational research carried out in the Emergency Department of Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from 1st December 2023 to 31 May 2024. The study consisted of 785 male and female patients aging 20 years or above, who presented with symptoms of cardiac origin including chest pain, syncope and shortness of breath and had an ECG as a part of their clinical assessment in the ED.  Results: The participants’ mean age was 52.6 ± 14.3 and BMI was 24.8 ± 4.5. A total of 430 (54.8%) male participants and 355 (45.2%) females formed the cohort. Patients were categorized into three age groups: 26.8% of the patients were less than 40 years, 41.4% were between 40 and 59 years of age, and 31.8% were 60 years and older. The median ECG interpretation time was 9 minutes. 62.4% of the 785 ECGs were interpreted within the suggested 10-minute window. However, 12.1% needed more than 20 minutes for a physician evaluation, while 25.5% of ECGs were interpreted in 11–20 minutes. Conclusion: Timely ECG interpretation is essential for the rapid diagnosis and management of acute cardiac conditions. Steps are needed to reduce the ECG interpretation for better clinical outcomes.