12-Lead electrocardiography training via YouTube: How is it reliable?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the adequacy and quality of video trainings on electrocardiography (ECG) recording on YouTube for the training of healthcare professionals based on the uploader source. Materials and methods: Between May 19th, 2020 and May 25th, 2020, a total of 72 videos that were found to be eligible on YouTube were included. Two physicians independently assessed each video and scored the videos. The quality of the ECG recording was determined by giving 1 point for each of the 14 stages determined according to the current guidelines, and a total of 14 points was defined as maximum. Results: In the first stage, the videos were divided into two groups based on the total score: compatible (≥8 points) and non-compatible (<8 points). Significant differences were found between the groups in the global quality score (GQS) (p<0.001) and total score (p<0.001). In the next stage, videos were divided into four different categories according to the uploader source: hospital or university, training site for healthcare professionals, physician or non-physician healthcare personnel, and unknown. A significant difference in the total score (p<0.001) and GQS (p<0.001) among these groups. Conclusion: In the YouTube database, the scientific quality of the videos for standard 12-lead ECG recording training is highly variable. Training videos uploaded by hospitals and corporate healthcare training sites contain higher quality and scientific data than individual videos and videos of an unknown source.