Organisation of paediatric echocardiography laboratories and governance of echocardiography services and training in Europe: current status, disparities, and potential solutions. A survey from the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC) imaging working group
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Published:2024-03-05
Issue:
Volume:
Page:1-9
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ISSN:1047-9511
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Container-title:Cardiology in the Young
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Cardiol Young
Author:
Cantinotti Massimiliano, Voges Inga, Miller Owen, Raimondi FrancescaORCID, Grotenhuis Heynric, Bharucha Tara, Garrido Almudena Ortiz, Valsangiacomo Emanuela, Roest ArnoORCID, Sunnegårdh Jan, Salaets Thomas, Brun Henrik, Khraiche Diala, Jossif Antonis, Schokking Michiel, Sabate-Rotes Anna, Meyer-Szary Jaroslaw, Deri AntigoniORCID, Koopman Laurens, Herberg Ulrike, du Marchie Sarvaas Gideon, Leskinen Markku, Tchana Bertrand, Ten Harkel Arend D.J.ORCID, Ödemis EnderORCID, Morrison Louise, Steimetz Micheal, Laser Kai Thorsten, Doros Gabriela, Bellshan-Revell Hannah, Muntean Iolanda, Anagostopoulou Andriana, Alpman Maria Sjoborg, Hunter Lindsey, Ojala Tiina, Bhat Misha, Olejnik Peter, Wacker Julie, Bonello Beatrice, Ramcharan Tristan, Greil Gerald, Marek JanORCID, DiSalvo Giovanni, McMahon Colin J.ORCID
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
There is limited data on the organisation of paediatric echocardiography laboratories in Europe.
Methods:
A structured and approved questionnaire was circulated across all 95 Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology affiliated centres. The aims were to evaluate: (1) facilities in paediatric echocardiography laboratories across Europe, (2) accredited laboratories, (3) medical/paramedical staff employed, (4) time for echocardiographic studies and reporting, and (5) training, teaching, quality improvement, and research programs.
Results:
Respondents from forty-three centres (45%) in 22 countries completed the survey. Thirty-six centres (84%) have a dedicated paediatric echocardiography laboratory, only five (12%) of which reported they were European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging accredited. The median number of echocardiography rooms was three (range 1–12), and echocardiography machines was four (range 1–12). Only half of all the centres have dedicated imaging physiologists and/or nursing staff, while the majority (79%) have specialist imaging cardiologist(s). The median (range) duration of time for a new examination was 45 (20–60) minutes, and for repeat examination was 20 (5–30) minutes. More than half of respondents (58%) have dedicated time for reporting. An organised training program was present in most centres (78%), 44% undertake quality assurance, and 79% perform research. Guidelines for performing echocardiography were available in 32 centres (74%).
Conclusion:
Facilities, staffing levels, study times, standards in teaching/training, and quality assurance vary widely across paediatric echocardiography laboratories in Europe. Greater support and investment to facilitate improvements in staffing levels, equipment, and governance would potentially improve European paediatric echocardiography laboratories.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Cited by
1 articles.
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