Pediatric electrocardiogram interpretation improvement and confidence assessment for resident physicians via training skills workshop

Abstract

BackgroundPediatric electrocardiogram (P-ECG) interpretation proficiency has been identified as an area of improvement for physicians to decrease rates of incorrect diagnosis and prevent patient adverse events. ObjectivesThe aim of this project was to assess the residents' perception of P-ECG training and skills, improve P-ECG interpretation via a training workshop, and assess confidence of residents in P-ECG interpretation. MethodsThis was an IRB approved prospective cohort study of pediatric, medicine-pediatric, and family medicine residents from 2020 to 2022. Residents were asked to complete a survey to assess their perception of P-ECG education and experience. A P-ECG training skills workshop was then held with pre- and post-tests completed by each resident. While answering questions for the pre- and post-tests, residents marked their degree of confidence via a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsA total of 74 residents completed the P-ECG education and experience survey, and 58 completed the workshop pre- and post-tests along with their interpretation confidence. Based on the survey, only 16.7 % of the residents felt that P-ECG training was sufficient, and most residents ordered 0–5 P-ECGs per month (98.6 %). Post-test scores improved significantly in total for all resident years combined and for first year residents (mean percent increases of 22.4 %; p < 0.001, and 22.9 %; p = 0.01, respectively). Despite increase in post-test scores, confidence scores did not significantly improve. ConclusionsResident survey revealed that P-ECG education opportunities at our center are infrequent. Training skills workshop increased the accuracy for P-ECG interpretation, but not confidence. This study provides a framework for similar assessment of P-ECG education at other institutions that do not have a dedicated inpatient pediatric cardiology service. It further increases targeted P-ECG education to improve trainee/resident interpretation skills and level of confidence.