Cardiology Fellow Diagnostic Accuracy and Data Interpretation Outcomes: A Review of the Current Literature

BACKGROUND: Cardiology fellows, in particular, are in a unique position to mold the new cardiovascular workforce, especially in terms of risk prevention. There is a growing need for the cardiovascular workforce. In the United States, one person dies every forty-two seconds due to a cardiovascular adverse event. METHODS: A PRISMA systematic review included comprehensive search of the MED-LINE database (PubMed) from 1927 to 2020 – the oldest to newest available literature on the subject available through PubMed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cardiology fellows together interpreted a total of 1719 EKGs with a correct rate of 52%. Sixty-four fellows completed a total of 1363 echocardiography interpretations with an accuracy rate of nearly 75%. CONCLUSION: Based on the studies discussed, it is evident that a cardiology fellow, particularly in their early years of training, may be limited due to a lack of experience. With continued EKG and echocardiogram interpretation, as well as other clinical skills practice, fellows can improve their diagnostic accuracy and procedural efficiency.