Integrated ECG Interpretation Course for the Improvement of Medical Student Electrocardiography Literacy

BACKGROUND: While undergraduate medical education curricula typically integrate electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation during the preclinical phase, the skill can be challenging, and students may lack confidence to interpret ECGs in clinical practice. The purpose of this online curriculum was to provide a supplemental course which provides a practical, systematic approach to ECG reading and increases student confidence in recognizing basic patterns of pathology. METHODS: We used a proprietary online learning content-management system to create a course for 4th-year medical students at a US-based MD program. The course consisted of 12 video modules which reviewed basic ECG interpretation and then provided practice ECG tracings for the students to interpret. Weekly online video calls with faculty were held to address any questions and to emphasize key concepts presented in that week’s material. The students completed a pre- and post-course assessment on ECG pathology and reported their self-confidence in ECG interpretation skills. RESULTS: The median score for the pre-test was 76.5/100 with a median self-confidence score of 3/10. After completion of the course, the students’ post-test median score increased to 87.5 (p < 0.0001) with a median self-confidence score of 7.5 (p < 0.0001). As a result of this course, the students showed a significant improvement in grades and self-confidence. DISCUSSION: An online course consisting of practice ECGs and limited direct faculty interaction helped the students improve ECG interpretation accuracy and self-confidence.