How Good are Orthopaedic Surgeons at Interpreting ECGs?

Abstract

This study is to find out how good orthopaedic surgeons are at interpreting electrocardiograms and to compare the results between surgical specialties with physicians. It showed that surgeons were considerably weaker than physicians in this aspect. The difference between the surgical specialities was not significant, but the orthopaedic surgeons were marginally better than other surgical specialists. Improper interpretation of electrocardiogram may compromise patient care. A formal training may be required in surgical portfolio.