Accuracy in interpreting the paediatric ECG: a UK-wide study and the need for improvement

BACKGROUND: Paediatric ECG interpretation is significant for informed treatment of several conditions. Formal training in paediatric ECG is rarely undertaken. METHODS: A prospective survey based study module of UK-wide paediatricians registered with the UK Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health (RCPCH) was conducted. 10 common clinical conditions seen in paediatrics for which there are recognisable ECGs had to be interpreted. After provision of an educational page, 10 further ECGs were presented. FINDINGS: 8450 RCPCH members were emailed a link to the online survey–study module, of whom 764 participated. Of these, 493 interpreted the first 10 ECGs, and 385 interpreted both sets of ECGs. The accuracy for the first ECGs was 61.5% (63.5% for those who participated in the whole survey), and after use of the educational page increased to 73.3%. This was independent from previous ECG training. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an easily accessible online educational page improved the accuracy of paediatric ECG interpretation significantly. Internet based education can improve the accuracy of paediatric ECG interpretation and should be developed further.