Evaluating the Competency and Confidence in ECG Interpretation Among Residents: A Multi-Center Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Electrocardiography (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
• Existing literature indicates variable and often poor ECG interpretation accuracy among medical residents globally.
• Concerns exist regarding the competency of Chinese residents in interpreting ECGs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ECG interpretation skills of medical residents in China.
• To determine if the global trend of poor ECG competency is reflected in Chinese resident populations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study involving 165 residents.
• Assessment included interpretation of eight 12-lead ECGs with accompanying clinical scenarios.
• A Likert scale questionnaire with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.75 was used.

Main Results:

• Only 1.82% of residents felt proficient in ECG interpretation.
• Over 61% of residents had to relearn ECG knowledge during clinical clerkships.
• The overall average ECG interpretation score was low (6/4,8), with only 10.3% scoring above 10.
• Competency was highest for ST-elevated myocardial infarction (54.55%) and poorest for Long QT and left bundle branch block (0.61% and 0.00%).
• Less than 10% of participants expressed complete diagnostic confidence.

Conclusions:

• Chinese residents exhibit inadequate preparation for interpreting common and emergency ECG abnormalities.
• Significant deficits in ECG interpretation skills were observed, including for normal ECG strips.
• The findings underscore a pressing need for enhanced ECG education and training programs for medical residents in China.