Cardiology Fellow Diagnostic Accuracy and Data Interpretation Outcomes: A Review of the Current Literature

Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2020 Oct 19:16:429-435. doi: 10.2147/VHRM.S266510. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: Cardiology fellows, in particular, are in a unique position to mold the new cardiovascular workforce, especially in terms of risk prevention. There is a growing need for the cardiovascular workforce. In the United States, one person dies every forty-two seconds due to a cardiovascular adverse event.

Methods: A PRISMA systematic review included comprehensive search of the MED-LINE database (PubMed) from 1927 to 2020 - the oldest to newest available literature on the subject available through PubMed.

Results: Fifty-seven cardiology fellows together interpreted a total of 1719 EKGs with a correct rate of 52%. Sixty-four fellows completed a total of 1363 echocardiography interpretations with an accuracy rate of nearly 75%.

Conclusion: Based on the studies discussed, it is evident that a cardiology fellow, particularly in their early years of training, may be limited due to a lack of experience. With continued EKG and echocardiogram interpretation, as well as other clinical skills practice, fellows can improve their diagnostic accuracy and procedural efficiency.

Keywords: cardiology fellow; cardiology outcomes; data interpretation; patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiologists / education*
  • Cardiologists / psychology
  • Cardiology / education*
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Echocardiography*
  • Education, Medical, Graduate*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Observer Variation
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results