The Accuracy and Diagnosis Process Using Electrocardiograms

Emilee Smith
*Some information in this presentation comes from outside sources.
Independent Study Mentorship
Fall 2016
Mentor: Megan Stearns, RN
Mentorship site: Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, the heart tower
Mrs. Kristi Click, RN
ISM - Period 1
What is Independent Study Mentorship?
Independent study mentorship is a semester long course where students receive active
learning directly from a mentor to gain insight and knowledge of potential jobs.
Throughout the mentorships, students are requires to research a topic to create a mid- term
presentation
Course Requirements

Complete an in-depth mentorship/study in an area of

Document a minimum of 3 hours of mentorship activities each week

Complete a Journal Entry each week documenting your mentorship experiences

Complete an ISM Professional Portfolio (online format) showcasing assignments

completed during the course and the final project

Complete a Mid-Term Presentation (must include PowerPoint)

Develop a final product and presentation at the collegiate/professional level that is
presented to a panel of graders at the conclusion of the semester

Project Title
This semester, I have chosen to research the accuracy and diagnosis process using
electrocardiograms because the first step to diagnosing any heart problem is with the
reading of an electrocardiogram. Many people undermine the use of electrocardiograms,
and also the electrocardiograms accuracy is also undermined.
This power point will cover abnormalities of the heart that can be diagnosed by
electrocardiograms.
About my mentor
In 2008, Megan attended College of the Mainland earing an associate degree in art in
general studies. She entered into the nursing program in 2012, graduating in 2014 with an
associates degree in nursing. Currently she is working towards her bachelors degree.

 Right out of school, she began working at St. Josephs, moving to UTMB six months after.
Taking some time off, Megan was employed by St. Davids North Austin Medical Center.
In July of 2016, she moved to Clear Lake and is employed at Clear Lake Regional.
Megan mostly had worked in med- surg with a focus on orthopedics, some bariatrics. She
is now in the cardiovascular department.
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center: Heart Tower
The only heart specialization hospital south of Texas Medical Center, the heart tower at
Clear Lake Regional oversees many cardiovascular conditions. The hospitals receive
emergency patients and can, if needed, perform heart surgeries.
What is an Electrocardiogram?
Definition
Pictures
Why someone would need one
Specializations to be able to read one
Introduce what a normal one looks like
Research 2 because give basic overview on the use of electrocardiograms
Research 3 because again will build enough background knowledge to help describe what
an electrocardiogram does
How is an electrocardiogram taken?
Insert video of one being taken and maybe read
Use research 2 to help describe the process of receiving an electrocardiogram
What abnormalities can an electrocardiogram diagnose?
Cover most common abnormalities
What they look like on an electrocardiogram
Provide pictures of what abnormalities would look like
Compare to results of a normal electrocardiogram
Research 1 will be included and explain specifically how abnormalities show on an
electrocardiogram
What do abnormalities of the heart look like on an electrocardiogram?
Insert pictures of electrocardiograms and describe the type of abnormality they show
Product: Video
*Demonstration entered here*
Have started putting together materials creating an outline for the video
Making movie in Windows Movie Maker
How accurate is an electrocardiogram?
Prove studies, research
Give opinions from respected doctors

 Research 4 because details a study conducted to determine the accuracy of

electrocardiograms
Conclusion
Electrocardiograms are beneficial in determining if any abnormalities are present in the
heart. However, they can be challenging to read and give a proper diagnosis. Thus,
requiring a second opinion or another test.
Special Thanks To
I would like to give special thanks to everyone who encouraged me throughout the
semester specifically my mentor Megan Stearns, RN and my teacher Kristi Click, RN. With
the combination of encouragement and instructions, theyve cultivated and inspired me to
achieve my aspirations.
I would also like to give thanks to Gabrielle Charvat and Isabel Martinez for viewing and
critiquing my presentation.
Bibliography
Al Ghatrif, Majd, MD, and Joseph Lindsay, MD. "A Brief Review: History to Understand
Fundamentals of Electrocardiography." Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine
Perspectives. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, 30 Apr.
2012. Web. 04 Oct. 2016. <http://www.jchimp.net/index.php/jchimp/article/view/14383>.
"Clear Lake Heart and Vascular Hospital." Clear Lake Heart, No.1 in Heart Care in
Houston -. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. <http://clearlakeheart.com/>.
"Electrocardiogram | Definition of Electrocardiogram by Medical Dictionary."The Free
Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016. <http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/electrocardiogram>.
Feldman, Henry, and Mariano Rey, MD. "A Simple Guide to Reading and Understanding
Practice Research." Improving the Effectiveness of the Helping Professions: An EvidenceBased Approach to Practice (n.d.): 19-38. Columbia University. Columbia, 19 Apr. 1999.
Web. 2 Oct. 2016.
Hobbs, Richard, Ellen T. Murray, and Roger Holder. "Accuracy of Diagnosing Atrial
Fibrillation on Electrocardiogram by Primary Care Practitioners and Interpretative
Diagnostic Software: Analysis of Data from Screening for Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly
(SAFE) Trial." British Medical Journal. British Medical Journal, 23 Aug. 2007. Web. 2
Oct. 2016. <http://www.bmj.com/content/335/7616/380?
linkType=FULL&resid=335/7616/380&journalCode=bmj>.
"What Is an Electrocardiogram?" National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. USA.gov, 1
Oct. 2010. Web. 2 Oct. 2016. <https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ekg>.