About the Podcast
RCEM Learning Podcast is produced by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, bringing evidence-based discussions, case reviews, and critical updates to frontline emergency clinicians. Each episode features practicing emergency physicians sharing perspectives on research and clinical practice.
Summary of the Episode
In this episode, hosts Dr. Andy Neill and Dr. Dave McCreary review a recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine comparing physicians with PMcardio Queen of Hearts™ AI for cath lab activation decisions.
- The study tested 18 ECGs: 8 STEMI equivalents, 8 STEMI mimics, 1 STEMI, and 1 normal ECG.
- Results showed emergency physicians and cardiologists both averaged ~65% accuracy, while the AI achieved ~89% accuracy.
- Humans struggled most with transient STEMI, hyperacute T-waves, de Winter’s pattern, and left bundle branch block, whereas the AI consistently identified these with far greater accuracy.
- The discussion highlighted how AI may reduce missed occlusions and unnecessary cath lab calls — but also raised important questions about over-reliance, medical education, and future training priorities for emergency physicians
“Docs are only about two thirds accurate on the toughest ECGs. Queen of Hearts nails close to 90 percent — meaning fewer missed heart attacks and fewer unnecessary cath lab calls.”
— Dr. Dave McCreary, RCEM Learning
🎧 Listen to the episode: Official page | Spotify | Apple Podcasts
