An online education program providing 25 ECGs per week significantly improved diagnostic accuracy among EMS personnel (P<0.0001).
Do online ECG modules improve diagnostic accuracy in Emergency Medical Services personnel?
Online ECG education modules significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of ECG interpretation among EMS personnel.
p-value: p=<0.0001
BACKGROUND: Accuracy of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is important for identification of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who recognize STEMI in the field and activate the coronary catheterization laboratory. According to previous research, there is improvement in diagnosis of STEMIs for healthcare providers who read an average of > 20 ECGs per week. This study evaluated the effectiveness of online ECG modules on improving diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: EMS personnel received 25 ECGs per week to interpret via an online program. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed for improvement via completion of an ECG evaluation package before and after the intervention. Job satisfaction data were collected to determine the impact of the educational initiative. RESULTS: < 0.0001). Improvement was seen regardless of employment experience and training. There was no significant impact on job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: ECG exposure remains an important factor in improving the accuracy of ECG diagnosis in EMS personnel. Online education modules provide an easily accessible way of improving ECG interpretation with the opportunity for positive downstream effects on patient outcomes and resource use.
Huitema et al. (Tue,) conducted a other in STEMI diagnosis. Online ECG education modules vs. Baseline (before intervention) was evaluated on Diagnostic accuracy of ECG interpretation (p=<0.0001). An online education program providing 25 ECGs per week significantly improved diagnostic accuracy among EMS personnel (P<0.0001).