Competency in interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiograms: a summary and appraisal of published evidence.

Background: There have been many proposals for objective standards designed to optimize training, testing, and maintaining competency in interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs). However, most of these recommendations are consensus based and are not derived from clinical trials that include patient outcomes.

Purpose: To critically review the available data on training, accuracy, and outcomes of computer and physician interpretation of 12-lead resting ECGs.

Training and competency evaluation for interpretation of 12-lead electrocardiograms: recommendations from the American College of Physicians.

This paper is part 1 of a 2-part series on interpretation of 12-lead resting electrocardiograms (ECGs). Part 1 is a position paper that presents recommendations for initial competency, competency assessment, and maintenance of competency on ECG interpretation, as well as recommendations for the role of computer-assisted ECG interpretation. Part 2 is a systematic review of detailed supporting evidence for the recommendations.