Abstract
IntroductionAsynchronous online training has become an increasingly popular educational format in the new era of technology-based professional development. We sought to evaluate the impact of an online asynchronous training module on the ability of medical students and emergency medicine (EM) residents to detect electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MethodsWe developed an online ECG training and testing module on AMI, with emphasis on recognizing ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and early activation of cardiac catheterization resources. Study participants included senior medical students and EM residents at all post-graduate levels rotating in our emergency department (ED). Participants were given a baseline set of ECGs for interpretation. This was followed by a brief interactive online training module on normal ECGs as well as abnormal ECGs representing an acute MI. Participants then underwent a post-test with a set of ECGs in which they had to interpret and decide appropriate intervention including catheterization lab activation.Results148 students and 35 EM residents participated in this training in the 2012–2013 academic year. Students and EM residents showed significant improvements in recognizing ECG abnormalities after taking the asynchronous online training module. The mean score on the testing module for students improved from 5.9 (95% CI [5.7–6.1]) to 7.3 (95% CI [7.1–7.5]), with a mean difference of 1.4 (95% CI [1.12–1.68]) (p<0.0001). The mean score for residents improved significantly from 6.5 (95% CI [6.2–6.9]) to 7.8 (95% CI [7.4–8.2]) (p<0.0001).ConclusionAn online interactive module of training improved the ability of medical students and EM residents to correctly recognize the ECG evidence of an acute MI.
Highlights
Asynchronous online training has become an increasingly popular educational format in the new era of technology-based professional development
148 students and 35 emergency medicine (EM) residents participated in this training in the 2012-2013 academic year
An online interactive module of training improved the ability of medical students and EM residents to correctly recognize the ECG evidence of an acute myocardial infarction (MI). [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(1):133–137.]
Summary
Asynchronous online training has become an increasingly popular educational format in the new era of technology-based professional development. We sought to evaluate the impact of an online asynchronous training module on the ability of medical students and emergency medicine (EM) residents to detect electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Educational Technology Improves ECG Interpretation limitations when interpreting ECG readings.[5,6] The only way to combat such deficiencies is through education, necessitating training in ECG interpretation as an essential part of medical education.[6] To determine the methodology that best teaches the skill of ECG interpretation, several uncontrolled studies of residents and students have demonstrated improvement in ECG interpretation skills after structured ECG interpretation seminars.[6,7] The tentative conclusion from these studies is that didactic learning can reinforce and prepare trainees for clinical learning using a variety of methods, including problem-based learning, small group sessions, simulation, etc.[8]
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