What Should a Formal ECG Interpretation Include?
Loomis says that the report should include information about the actual results of the ECG and how the physician interprets these findings to establish a diagnosis. You should include specific information about ST segment intervals, rate, rhythm, axis intervals, etc., Loomis says. You should not have a report that just indicates the final determination, such as ECG normal. Many groups use a standard form on a stamp that prompts physicians to include the needed diagnostic information, says Loomis. Moore concurs, advising that her company has developed a short form to ensure that the physicians know to include sufficient detail. We kind of divided the interpretation into sections. We have space for comments on the rate, rhythm, axis interval, the QRS-T wave comments, any acute or chronic changes, comparison with the most recent tracing and the clinical findings or diagnosis. Not every one of those elements is necessary, but there should be enough information there to tell you what is per
