Teaching basic dysrhythmias: what is the best approach?

Nurses' ability to accurately interpret cardiac dysrhythmias has resulted in decreased mortality. Four educational approaches to teaching dysrhythmia interpretation were evaluated. Major findings revealed learning was more effective when the lecture-discussion approach was used over a 5-week to 10-week period of time. Nurses also felt more comfortable with their ability to interpret dysrhythmias. These findings have several implications for continuing education departments regarding how and over what period of time this content should be taught.