Consensus document on transthoracic echocardiography in Portugal

Abstract

Echocardiography is the most widely used imaging technique in modern cardiological clinical practice, since it is readily available, portable and safe, and provides a comprehensive morphological and functional assessment at low cost compared to other imaging modalities. Recent technological advances have introduced new echocardiographic techniques and widened the clinical applications of echocardiography. However, these developments have also led to an increase in information, rendering interpretation of the data provided by the exam more complex; this may result in assessment errors by less experienced operators. Standardization of procedures and training in echocardiography is therefore essential to ensure quality and safety for patients. The present document aims to contribute to this end, recommending quality requirements for operators and echocardiography laboratories in Portugal.

Keywords: Competence; Competência; Echocardiography; Echocardiography laboratory; Ecocardiografia; Laboratório de Ecocardiografia; Qualidade; Quality; Relatório; Report; Training; Treino.