RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: improving diagnosis and management within the accident and emergency department
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 495
OP 497
DO 10.1136/emj.2003.012054
VO 21
IS 4
A1 S F O’Rourke
A1 A Sauvage
A1 P A Evans
YR 2004
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/21/4/495.abstract
AB Accident and emergency (A&E) senior house offices (SHOs) have difficulties in interpreting the electrocardiogram (ECG) in narrow complex tachycardia. Correct ECG interpretation is fundamental to patient management in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. This study aimed to assess the ability of A&E SHOs to interpret the ECG in this setting. Correct diagnosis in 63% of cases improved to 86% with the introduction of a standard protocol sheet. Ensuring that SHOs follow agreed guidelines in rhythm recognition and management of PSVT improves patient care.