Ambulatory electrocardiogram (AECG) analysis service evaluation

Background: AECGs are essential diagnostic tools in cardiology. However, the time required for their analysis is not well-documented. Efficient analysis is critical for timely patient outcomes, yet factors such as staff well-being and workplace distractions can influence this process. Understanding and optimising these factors is essential to improving service delivery.
Aims: Establish the average duration required to analyse an AECG, setting a benchmark for future assessments. Identify and quantify obstacles hindering efficient analysis and propose solutions to mitigate them.
Methods: This study conducted a service evaluation at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Cardiology Department. Over a two-month period, an anonymous online survey was administered to staff, collecting data on the duration of analysis and identifying potential barriers to efficient analysis.
Results: The survey had 48 responses, with an 82% completion rate. The average time required for analysis was 19 minutes. However, analysis sessions were extended by an hour on average due to administrative tasks, workplace distractions, and complex cases. Significant barriers included clinic preparation and staff coverage (p<0.05), which contributed to prolonged analysis times and impacted overall service efficiency.
Conclusions: These findings can inform service planning in this and other cardiology departments, potentially leading to enhanced efficiency and better patient outcomes. Optimising staff rota’s and clinic templates in consideration with the average analysis time is beneficial. Improving department layout to minimise distractions and adopting a paperless system to reduce administrative burdens are key aims in streamlining the analysis process in this department.