{
  "abstract": "Background In June 2024 the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) introduced new guidelines to standardise diastolic function assessment and reporting. Diastolic function can now be reported using simple algorithms for each of: normal LV function, impaired LV systolic function/ know myocardial disease, and in the context of atrial fibrillation at the time of echocardiography irrespective of the LV function. The purpose of this QIP is to assess the outpatient echocardiography reporting of diastolic function against the new 2024 BSE guidelines. Through PDSA cycles, we aim to improve diastolic function reporting, with the ultimate target of improving heart failure investigation and management.Methods We assessed baseline data in November and December of 2024, shortly after the new guidelines had been introduced. Data collection followed a rolling audit method, analysing all outpatient echocardiogram reports from different weekdays each week (e.g. Monday in the first week, Tuesday in the second week etc.). This allowed us to assess the reporting practices from different clinics and obtain a representative sample from the entire department. We recorded the number of correctly reported cases, the number of incorrectly reported cases and the number of cases in which diastolic function could not be assessed due to insufficient parameters measured. In the latter group, we recorded which parameters were commonly missed.Following this, as our first intervention, a training session was held explaining the new guidelines. It covered the additional parameters to be measured for accurate diastolic function reporting on echocardiography.We undertook further data collection in January and February 2025. Following this, we placed the new BSE posters in all echocardiogram reporting rooms, increasing visibility and for further education.Results In November and December 2024 there were a total of 186 outpatient echocardiograms performed. 122 (66%) had diastology correctly reported; 64 (34%) were incorrectly reported. Of these 64 incorrectly reported scans, 55 (29%) had sufficient echo parameters measured to be reported in line with the new guidelines. The remaining 9 (5%) did not have sufficient parameters measured for accurate reporting of diastolic function.In January and February 2025, following the first intervention, a total of 334 outpatient echocardiograms were performed. 254 (76%) were correctly reported, and 80 (24%) were incorrectly reported. Of these 80 incorrectly reported scans, 7 (2%) did not have sufficient parameters measured for accurate reporting of diastolic function.Conclusion Correct assessment and reporting of diastolic function plays a vital role in the management of heart failure patients. Our QIP shows an improvement in the correct reporting of diastolic function through targeted education and training. We aim to further increase the percentage of correct diastology reports through further interventions.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "I Ali"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "S Ingaralingam"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "E Obiri-Darko"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "A Zaidi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "R Sunnasy"
    }
  ],
  "title": "5-003 A quality improvement project aimed at improving outpatient diastolic function reporting in accordance with the 2024 BSE guidelines",
  "uid": "9eac1cab-8082-592e-9419-0a3653156508"
}