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The effectiveness of an online educational program on nurses' electrocardiogram interpretation skills
Gülşen Kılıç1,2, İnci Mercan Annak3, Hafize Savaş4
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. gulsenk@baskent.edu.tr.
BMC Nursing
|March 28, 2025
Summary
This online electrocardiogram (ECG) education program significantly improved nurses' interpretation skills. Post-test scores were higher, demonstrating enhanced ECG knowledge for better patient care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Cardiology
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Effective interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is a critical skill for nurses.
- Gaps in ECG interpretation knowledge can impact patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Online education offers a flexible and accessible modality for professional development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a novel online educational program in enhancing nurses' electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation competencies.
- To determine if the program improves nurses' knowledge across various ECG categories.
Main Methods:
- A single-group pretest-posttest quasiexperimental design was utilized.
- 282 nurses participated in a five-hour online ECG education program covering essential topics.
- The Electrocardiography Knowledge Test (ECG-KT) was administered pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in mean posttest ECG-KT scores compared to pretest scores were observed.
- Nurses showed marked gains in understanding normal sinus rhythm, atrial arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndrome.
- Higher baseline and post-intervention scores were noted in nurses with intensive care certificates and advanced degrees (Master's/Ph.D.).
Conclusions:
- The online ECG education program effectively boosts nurses' knowledge and accuracy in interpreting ECGs.
- Online ECG training is recommended for universities and hospitals to foster essential nursing skills.
- Continuous professional development in ECG interpretation is crucial for quality patient care.
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