Children's Heartbeat: A Web-Based Program to Spread Knowledge on Arrhythmias in Children

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Education
• Global Health

Background:

• Limited expertise in pediatric arrhythmia management exists in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
• A significant need for accessible pediatric electrophysiology education and consultation in medically under-resourced regions worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and impact of Children's Heartbeat, a virtual program disseminating pediatric electrophysiology knowledge.
• To address the gap in pediatric arrhythmia management expertise in LMIC through a knowledge-sharing platform.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of Children's Heartbeat, a virtual video-conferencing program utilizing the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model.
• Monthly virtual case-based sessions connecting pediatric electrophysiologists with clinicians in under-resourced areas.
• Dissemination of pediatric arrhythmia management knowledge globally.

Main Results:

• Exponential growth in viewership, with 181 total registrants and an average of 64 monthly participants.
• An additional 121 average viewers of recorded sessions, indicating broad reach.
• Reported increase in attendees' confidence in managing pediatric arrhythmias.

Conclusions:

• Children's Heartbeat successfully provides pediatric electrophysiology consultation to medically under-resourced regions.
• The program enhances clinicians' confidence and competence in caring for children with arrhythmias.
• Future expansion to high-income countries and direct impact evaluation are planned.