AIMS: In New Zealand, we have neither guidelines nor data regarding the provision of echocardiography and disparities between regional echocardiography are believed to exist. The purpose of this study was to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of clinical use of echocardiography within New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: Over a 1-week period (5/12/2005-11/12/2005) echocardiography laboratories around NZ (tertiary, secondary hospitals, and private practices) sent copies of their echo reports and referral forms (with patient identifiers removed) to a central site. Demographic information, clinical indication, measurements performed, and interpretation were collated, recorded, reviewed, tabulated, and entered into a Microsoft Access database. RESULTS: 1498 echoes were performed, 92% were transthoracic examinations. Adult examinations comprised 83% of the echocardiograms performed: median age was 61.7 years (interquartile range 47.3 to 74.1) and 56% were male. The three most common primary clinical indications were: left ventricular (LV) function (43%), valve disease (14%), and murmur (7.5%). Seventy-five percent reported abnormal findings. There was wide disparity in the population adjusted rates of echoes performed across NZ's district health boards. CONCLUSION: This prospective survey provides a contemporary overview of echocardiography in NZ and highlights the inherent geographical disparity in echocardiography utilisation throughout the country.
AIMS: In New Zealand, we have neither guidelines nor data regarding the provision of echocardiography and disparities between regional echocardiography are believed to exist. The purpose of this study was to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of clinical use of echocardiography within New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: Over a 1-week period (5/12/2005-11/12/2005) echocardiography laboratories around NZ (tertiary, secondary hospitals, and private practices) sent copies of their echo reports and referral forms (with patient identifiers removed) to a central site. Demographic information, clinical indication, measurements performed, and interpretation were collated, recorded, reviewed, tabulated, and entered into a Microsoft Access database. RESULTS: 1498 echoes were performed, 92% were transthoracic examinations. Adult examinations comprised 83% of the echocardiograms performed: median age was 61.7 years (interquartile range 47.3 to 74.1) and 56% were male. The three most common primary clinical indications were: left ventricular (LV) function (43%), valve disease (14%), and murmur (7.5%). Seventy-five percent reported abnormal findings. There was wide disparity in the population adjusted rates of echoes performed across NZ's district health boards. CONCLUSION: This prospective survey provides a contemporary overview of echocardiography in NZ and highlights the inherent geographical disparity in echocardiography utilisation throughout the country.