Electrocardiogram interpretation among pediatricians: Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practice.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are vital diagnostic tools in pediatrics.
• Assessing the competency of pediatricians in ECG interpretation is essential for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the proficiency of pediatricians in interpreting various electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
• To identify factors influencing ECG interpretation skills among pediatricians.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 125 pediatricians (general pediatricians, pediatric cardiologists, subspecialists).
• Participants completed a questionnaire with 10 ECGs and background questions.
• Knowledge scores were calculated, and statistical tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis) were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Mean knowledge scores varied by specialty (47.7%-69.7%), with experience and confidence correlating positively with scores.
• Highest accuracy was for normal ECGs, supraventricular tachycardia, and long QT interval.
• Lowest accuracy was for right bundle branch block (RBBB), 2:1 atrioventricular conduction, and atrial tachycardia (AT), even among cardiologists.

Conclusions:

• Pediatricians acknowledge the importance of ECG interpretation.
• Current interpretation skills are suboptimal across specialties, potentially impacting patient care.
• Enhanced training is needed to improve pediatricians' ECG interpretation abilities.