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Table 1 Detailed description of aspects in the image analysis

From: Limited intervention improves technical skill in focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography among novice examiners

Anatomical presentation

Highest possible score was 5, one point was deducted for each of the errors in probe orientation mentioned below.

Rotation

Angulation

Tilt

Thoracic position

 

Sector optimization (depth and angle width)

Highest possible score was 5, one or two points were deducted upon suboptimal sector as mentioned below.

Small depth error

Large depth error

Small angle error

Large angle error

(1 point)

(2 points)

(1 point)

(2 points)

Gain adjustment

Highest possible score was 3, points were deducted as mentioned below.

Small undergain

Large undergain

Small overgain

Large overgain

(1 point)

(2 points)

(1 point)

(2 points)

Image (resolution) sharpness

A score of 1 to 5 was given based on the scale below.

1: No visible myocardium

2: Barely visible myocardium

3: Fairly visible myocardium

4: Visible Myocardium and endocardium

5: Perfect presentation of myo- and endocardium

Interpretational value

A score of 1 to 5 was given based on the scale below. A score of 3 was perceived as minimum for images suitable for interpretation.

1: No interpretation possible

2: Uncertain interpretation possible

3: Rough interpretation possbile

4: Interpretation possible

5: Interpretation and measurement possible