Educating correct ECG interpretation is a way to promote the satisfaction and competency the diagnostic service providers.

Abstract

Background: Given electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation as one of the diagnostical challenges for medical students and health professionals, this research was carried out to present an experience of web-based teaching method and novel approaches used for training of ECG interpretation.

Methods: This online program was conducted in three days. The main content of the class was taught during one hour, and after that, the teacher spent enough time for responding the asked questions. The components of a normal ECG and different changes that can occur in these waves were taught through clinical case-based scenarios using the web platform and Adobe Connect software. The participants' satisfaction was assessed with a 12-item questionnaire, and the short-term retention of ECG interpretation skill was examined by comparing the posttest scores with pretest.

Results: A total of 224 individuals completed the course. Total satisfaction score was 53.05±6.98 (out of the maximum score of 60). Based on the results of the paired t test, the interpretation skill scores of the participants increased significantly from 2.5 ± 1.57 to 6.96 ± 1.89. (p<0.001, CI = -4.8 to- 4.11).

Conclusion: This web-based nationwide training program provided a supplementary resource for ECG learning among medical students and health-care providers.