Variable diagnostic accuracy in reading ECGs in a nurse-led primary PCI pathway

Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) remains as the crucial tool to diagnose acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Activation of the cardiac catheterization team to perform primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) largely depends on the interpretation of the ECG at the time of first medical contact with the patient. In Northern Ireland, if the referrer decides that the ECG shows a STEMI they would then transmit the ECG to a designated coronary care nurse who then decides whether to activate the PPCI pathway or to transfer the patient to the nearest emergency department (ED).
Source: Journal of Electrocardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research