Update on the organizational aspects of echocardiography in italy (from operator training to the report: 2007–2019): A consensus document by the “società Italiana di Ecocardiografia e Cardio Vascular Imaging” accreditation area and Board 2017–2019

Monte, Ines; Chiara, Benedetta De; Demicheli, Gloria; Aragona, Pierluigi; Ancona, R.; Antonini‐Canterin, Francesco; Citro, Rodolfo; Colonna, Paolo; Giorgi, Mauro; Mantero, Antonio; Manuppelli, Vincenzo; Petrella, Licia; Posteraro, Alfredo; Benedetto, Frank

doi:10.4103/jcecho.jcecho_61_19

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…To fulfil this objective, the SIECVI is now working to standardize AEI acquisition, reporting, dedicated training, certification, and quality control methods across most echo labs in Italy. 32 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current national availability of advanced echocardiography imaging: real world data from an Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging survey

Barbieri,

Mantovani,

Ciampi

et al. 2023

European Heart Journal - Imaging Methods and Practice

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Aims Advanced echocardiographic imaging (AEI) techniques, such as three-dimensional (3D) and multi-chamber speckle-tracking deformation imaging (strain) analysis, have been shown to be more accurate in assessing heart chamber geometry and function when compared with conventional echocardiography providing additional prognostic value. However, incorporating AEI alongside standard examinations may be heterogeneous between echo laboratories (echo labs). Thus, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the many AEI modalities that are available and employed in Italy. Methods and results The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey over a month (November 2022) to describe the use of AEI in Italy. Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire uploaded on the SIECVI website. Data obtained from 173 echo labs were divided into 3 groups, according to the numbers of echocardiograms performed: <250 exams (low-volume activity, 53 centres), between 251 and 550 exams (moderate-volume activity, 62 centres), and ≥550 exams (high-volume activity, 58 centres). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) 3D was in use in 75% of centres with a consistent difference between low (55%), medium (71%), and high activity volume (85%) (P = 0.002), while 3D transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was in use in 84% of centres, reaching the 95% in high activity volume echo labs (P = 0.006). In centres with available 3D TTE, it was used for the left ventricle (LV) analysis in 67%, for the right ventricle (RV) in 45%, and for the left atrium (LA) in 40%, showing greater use in high-volume centres compared with low- and medium-volume centres (all P < 0.04). Strain analysis was utilized in most echo labs (80%), with a trend towards greater use in high-volume centres than low- and medium-volume centres (77%, 74%, and 90%, respectively; P = 0.08). In centres with available strain analysis, it was mainly employed for the LV (80%) and much less frequently for the RV and LA (49% and 48%, respectively). Conclusion In Italy, the AEI modalities are more frequently available in centres with high-volume activity but employed only in a few applications, being more frequent in analysing the LV compared with the RV and LA. Therefore, the echocardiography community and SIECVI should promote uniformity and effective training across the Italian centres. Meanwhile, collaborations across centres with various resources and expertise should be encouraged to use the benefits of the AEI.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current national availability of advanced echocardiography imaging: real world data from an Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging survey

Barbieri,

Mantovani,

Ciampi

et al. 2023

European Heart Journal - Imaging Methods and Practice

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Quality Assurance and Improvement Project in Echocardiography Laboratory

Kossaify

2021

Heart Views

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Echocardiography plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular conditions. Echocardiography use is progressively increasing nowadays, and this is correlated to the evolving echo indications, to the relatively new available echocardiography modes (tissue Doppler imaging, speckle tracking imaging, three-dimensional mode, etc.) and modalities (transthoracic, transesophageal, and intracardiac) along with the various available clinical approaches (point of care echo, portable echo, etc.). Quality assurance in echocardiography is correlated to appropriate use criteria, adequate equipment, standardization of performance and reporting, along with timely storage and archiving. Quality improvement plan must target strategic planning, with metrics and timeline for assessment and re-assessment of results. Improvement project aims to ensure and enhance conformity with appropriate use criteria and standardization, timely completion of exams and reports, detection of discrepancies, and continuous improvement of knowledge and skills. Strategic planning is essential in this context in order to develop organizational and managerial processes, with regular auditing for a highly professional and advanced level of echocardiography, while ensuring teamwork and standards of ethical values.

show abstract

Update on the organizational aspects of echocardiography in italy (from operator training to the report: 2007–2019): A consensus document by the “società Italiana di Ecocardiografia e Cardio Vascular Imaging” accreditation area and Board 2017–2019

Cited by 2 publications

References 9 publications

Current national availability of advanced echocardiography imaging: real world data from an Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging survey

Current national availability of advanced echocardiography imaging: real world data from an Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging survey

Quality Assurance and Improvement Project in Echocardiography Laboratory

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About