Electrocardiogram interpretation skills in pediatric residents

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a critical skill for pediatric residents.
• Assessing resident competency in ECG interpretation is essential for patient safety.
• Variability in ECG interpretation skills among residents necessitates targeted educational interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of pediatric residents in identifying ECG findings.
• To assess the correlation between ECG interpretation skills and cardiac diagnoses.
• To identify factors influencing resident performance in ECG interpretation.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 46 pediatric residents at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
• Residents interpreted 10 patient vignettes with accompanying 12-lead ECGs.
• Linear regression analysis examined the association between correct pairings and resident year, cardiology rotation, and training.

Main Results:

• ECG interpretation accuracy significantly improved from Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY 1) to PGY 3.
• PGY 3 residents correctly identified 2.4 more ECG pairings than PGY 1 residents (P=0.02).
• Completion of a pediatric cardiology rotation was associated with a 2.5 increase in correct pairings (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Pediatric resident proficiency in ECG interpretation shows significant improvement with advanced training.
• Educational strategies should focus on high-risk diagnoses where resident knowledge is lacking.
• Targeted training can enhance resident ability to link ECG findings with cardiac diagnoses.