829 Perioperative Surgical Patients and The Availability and Utilisation Of ECGs Machines Pre- And Post-Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction ECGs are a NICE recommended pre-operative investigation and an integral part of post-operative monitoring. Delay in recognition of cardiac pathology can be catastrophic. Therefore, ECG machines should be readily available. Here, we report the results of an audit assessing the availability of ECG machines in surgical wards. Method In 2018 and then 2020, a bespoke, nine-item audit proforma was disseminated to all foundation doctors. Results In 2018, 17/32 wards had a ward based, readily available machine, 6/32 shared with another ward and 15/32 did not have a ward-based machine. The same was noted in 2020. In 2018 and 2020, the average time to obtain an ECG machine was 27 and 23 respectively. When no ECG was available, a doctor would obtain the machine 24% in 2018 compare to 52% in 2020. The diagnoses of the patients who had ECGs in 2018 were: normal sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia and STEMI. In 2020 were: normal sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, bradycardia, prolonged QTc, hyperkalaemia, STEMI and NSTEMI. The average time for NSTEMI patients to have an ECG was 35mins while for STEMI patients was 11.6mins. Conclusions Whilst our audit has highlighted the importance of ECG machine availability, the time to obtain one remained static between the two cycles. A study investigating the impact on patient outcomes may highlight the necessity for available ECG machines further.