What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Electrocardiogram interpretation competency (n=323). Primary outcome: Electrocardiogram interpretation competency score (maximum 10).

June 9, 2022BMC Medical Education53 citationsOpen Access

Assessment of electrocardiogram interpretation competency among healthcare professionals and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences: a multidisciplinary study

KAKeyvan Amini AMAlireza Mirzaei MHMirtohid Hosseini

Key Result

Healthcare professionals and students demonstrated low electrocardiogram interpretation competency with a mean score of 5.13 out of 10, and 77.3% were unable to identify normal sinus rhythm.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=323)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Population

323 staff and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in northwestern Iran

Outcome

Competency of electrocardiogram interpretation measured by the Badell-Coll ECG Interpretation Competency Questionnaire

Healthcare professionals and students demonstrated low competency in ECG interpretation, highlighting the need for regular, standardized training.

Limitations

Study population was limited to the staff and students of a single university, limiting generalizability to other cities and countries.
Participants were asked to return the questionnaire on the spot, which might have caused them to rush their answers.
Conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited the clinical attendance and practical experience of students.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a core clinical skill that helps to rapid diagnosis of potentially life-threatening diseases. Misinterpretation of the electrocardiogram can lead to inappropriate clinical decisions with adverse outcomes. The main aim of this survey was to assess the competency of electrocardiogram interpretation and related factors among healthcare professionals and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 323 staff and students of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in northwestern Iran. Data were collected randomly from November to January 1400 using the Badell-Coll ECG Interpretation Competency Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS V.14. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The results showed that the mean and standard deviation of electrocardiogram interpretation competency of health professional staff and students was 5.13 ± 2.25 (maximum score = 10). The large number of participants wasn't able to identify normal sinus rhythm (n = 251, 77.3%), acute myocardial infarction (n = 206, 63.8%) and pathological Q waves (n = 201, 62.2%). The results of multiple linear regression showed that the variables of education level, self-assessment of electrocardiogram interpretation competence, work experience, and type of hospital were able to predict the competence of ECG interpretation in participants. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that the participants' level of electrocardiogram interpretation competency was low. Hence, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, managers and educators of the health system should consider the role of positive self-assessment and exposure to ECG interpretation in improving the competence of staff and students to interpret ECG.

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