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Competency in ECG Interpretation Among Medical Students
Grzegorz Kopeć1, Wojciech Magoń1, Mateusz Hołda2
1Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College at John Paul II Hospital, Cracow, Poland.
Summary
Polish medical students show good basic electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation skills, but struggle with recognizing emergencies. Self-study improves ECG competency, highlighting gaps in formal medical education.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for diagnosing heart diseases.
- Assessing ECG interpretation skills in medical students is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ECG interpretation proficiency among Polish medical students.
- To identify factors influencing ECG interpretation skills.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey with 18 ECG strips was administered to medical students from all Polish medical schools.
- Analysis focused on clinical-year students (4th-6th), with preclinical students (1st-3rd) as controls.
- Questions covered basic ECG parameters, emergencies, and common abnormalities.
Main Results:
- 536 students participated; clinical-year students (66%) demonstrated better overall ECG interpretation than preclinical students (56%).
- Self-learning correlated with higher competency (69% vs. 62%), while regular class attendance showed no significant difference (66% vs. 66%).
- Clinical year status and self-learning were significant determinants of ECG competency.
Conclusions:
- Polish clinical-year medical students possess adequate skills for primary ECG parameters but lack proficiency in recognizing ECG signs of emergencies and common abnormalities.
- Self-education is a key factor in developing ECG interpretation skills, independent of formal class attendance.
- Deficiencies in ECG interpretation teaching exist at Polish medical schools, necessitating curriculum review and enhancement.
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