How Should We Grade the Quality of a Transthoracic Echocardiogram: Results from a Survey from the Association for European Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC) Imaging Working Group

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the current status about quality grading, resources, and training in pediatric echocardiography, to define gaps in this field, and to develop potential strategies for quality improvement. A structured questionnaire was sent out to pediatric cardiologists within the Association for European Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC). The questionnaire contained questions regarding assessment of quality, training and feedback in the field of pediatric echocardiography. Thirty-one European pediatric cardiologists from 17 countries participated. Most participants agreed (n = 28, 90%) that it is important to have standards for echocardiography quality grading for trainees. Objective instruments, however, are largely not available. Among a list of criteria on how to grade quality, quantitative or qualitative criteria with additional formative feedback was ranked highest by the respondents (53%). Although the correct diagnosis, followed by the correct use of two-dimensional (2D) imaging and the correct use of color Doppler across all valves and septae were listed as most important when performing transthoracic echocardiography, a matrix of the eight most important parameters was designed. The results show that quality grading in pediatric echocardiography varies highly among European centers. The matrix provided is a visual instrument whereby trainees can gauge the evolution in their skill as echocardiographers.