Related Experiment Videos
Electrocardiogram interpretation training and competency assessment in emergency medicine residency programs
Jesse M Pines1, Debra G Perina, William J Brady
1Emergency Medicine Residency Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Summary
Emergency medicine (EM) residency programs utilize diverse methods for electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation training. Most program directors feel residents are adequately prepared to interpret ECGs upon graduation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a critical skill for emergency medicine (EM) physicians.
- Standardization of ECG interpretation training across EM residency programs is not well-defined.
- Assessing competency in ECG interpretation presents a challenge in graduate medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current landscape of ECG interpretation instruction within U.S. EM residency programs.
- To evaluate the utilization and perceived value of various teaching modalities and resources.
- To identify the methods employed for assessing resident competency in ECG interpretation.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to program directors (PDs) of all 125 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved U.S. EM residency programs.
- The survey collected data on teaching methods, resources, and competency assessment strategies for ECG interpretation.
- Response rates and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data.
Main Results:
- A high response rate (79.2%) was achieved, with 99 PDs completing the survey.
- The most common teaching methods included emergency department instruction (99%), case-based lectures (98%), and didactic lectures (98%).
- Personal or departmental ECG files were the most frequently used resource (91%) and held the highest perceived value. Most PDs (96% by year 3) were comfortable with residents' ECG interpretation abilities.
Conclusions:
- EM program directors perceive their residency training as adequate in preparing graduates for ECG interpretation.
- A combination of didactic, case-based, and clinical instruction, supported by readily available ECG resources, contributes to resident competency.
- Further standardization and evaluation of specific teaching and assessment methods may enhance ECG interpretation skills across all programs.