Electrocardiography Interpretation Competency of Medical Interns: Experience from Two Ethiopian Medical Schools.

Melaku Getachew,Temesgen Beyene,Sofia Kebede

doi:10.1155/2020/7695638

Melaku Getachew, Temesgen Beyene + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/7695638

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Abstract

Background Electrocardiography (ECG) is the graphical display of electrical potential differences of an electric field originating in the heart. Interpretation of ECG is a core clinical skill in the department of emergency medicine. The main aim of this survey was to assess competency of ECG interpretation among 2018 graduating class medical students in Addis Ababa University and Haramaya University. Methodology. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on medical interns at Addis Ababa University and Haramaya University. Data had been collected from October 01, 2018, to October 30, 2018, by using structured questionnaires. Data were entered, cleaned, edited, and analyzed by using SPSS version 25.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabs, chi-squared test, Mann–Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression were utilized. Results Two-hundred and two graduating medical students were involved on this survey, out of which 61.3% (95% CI 56.3–66.3%) and 32.75% (95% CI 28.25–37.25) were able to correctly interpret the primary ECG parameters and the arrest rhythm of ECG abnormalities, respectively. The ability to detect from common emergency ECG abnormalities of anterioseptal ST segment elevation myocardial infraction, atrial fibrillation, and first-degree atrioventricular block was 42.6%, 39.1%, and 32.1%, respectively. Conclusion This survey showed graduating medical students had low competency in ECG interpretations.

Highlights

Electrocardiography (ECG) is the graphical display of electrical potential differences of an electric field starting from the heart
In contrast to Kopecet al. where most students of clinical years (86%), this survey showed lower ability of correctly interpret the primary ECG parameters. is survey revealed that the accuracy of ECG interpretation for arrest rhythm was lower than that in the survey done by Kopecet al. [3]. is difference could be explained by only half of group participants took ECG class and undergraduate emergency medicine rotation
Competency of ECG interpretations was significantly improved by undergraduate emergency medicine rotation and undergraduate ECG class

Summary

Introduction

Electrocardiography (ECG) is the graphical display of electrical potential differences of an electric field starting from the heart. It is a frequently used investigation for the diagnosis of heart disease and electrolyte abnormalities. In day to day clinical practice, it is important for physicians and graduating medical students to know the accuracy of their ECG interpretation skills to correctly rule out the presence of cardiac disease or manage their patients [4, 5]. Electrocardiography (ECG) is the graphical display of electrical potential differences of an electric field originating in the heart. E main aim of this survey was to assess competency of ECG interpretation among 2018 graduating class medical students in Addis Ababa University and Haramaya University. Conclusion. is survey showed graduating medical students had low competency in ECG interpretations

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion