Electrocardiogram interpretation skills in pediatric residents
<b>Objective :</b> The primary objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents′ ability to correctly identify electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and pair them to a corresponding cardiac diagnosis. <b> Methods:</b> Forty-six pediatric residents from the...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2010-01-01
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| Series: | Annals of Pediatric Cardiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.annalspc.com/article.asp?issn=0974-2069;year=2010;volume=3;issue=1;spage=3;epage=7;aulast=Crocetti |
| Summary: | <b>Objective :</b> The primary objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents′ ability to correctly identify electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and pair them to a corresponding cardiac diagnosis. <b> Methods:</b> Forty-six pediatric residents from the Johns Hopkins Children′s Center were surveyed to evaluate their ability to interpret ECGs and factors affecting that ability. Included in the survey was a packet of 10 patient vignettes each accompanied by a 12-lead ECG. The primary outcome variable was the resident′s score of correctly paired ECG findings with the appropriate cardiac diagnosis. One point was given for each pair correctly identified for a maximum of 10 points. Simple and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the magnitude and significance of any association between score of correct responses and resident year, completion of a pediatric cardiology rotation, self-rated ability to read ECGs, and training received in reading ECGs. <b> Results :</b> The mean number of correct ECG findings and cardiac diagnosis pairings out of 10 for the PGY 1 group was 4.1 ± 3, PGY 2 group 4.9 ± 2.9, PGY 3 group 6.6 ± 2, and the PGY 4 group 6.8 ± 1.7. In the unadjusted linear regression model, the PGY 3 group correctly identified 2.4 more pairings compared to the PGY 1 group (<i>P</i> =0.02). Those who completed a pediatric cardiology rotation correctly identified 2.5 more pairings compared to those who did not complete a rotation (<i>P</i>=0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> ECG interpretation significantly improved from PGY 1 to PGY 3. Educational programs involving ECG interpretation should target those diagnoses with high clinical severity and average to poor resident knowledge. |
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| ISSN: | 0974-2069 0974-5149 |