Graham Fent1, Jivendra Gosai2, Makani Purva3. 1. Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, United Kingdom; Clinical Skills Centre, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU32JZ, United Kingdom. Electronic address: grahamfent@gmail.com. 2. Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, United Kingdom; Clinical Skills Centre, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU32JZ, United Kingdom; Department of Cardiovascular Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, United Kingdom. 3. Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, United Kingdom; Clinical Skills Centre, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, HU32JZ, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains an essential skill for medical students and junior doctors. While many techniques for teaching ECG interpretation are described, no single method has been shown to be superior. PURPOSE: This randomized control trial is the first to investigate whether teaching ECG interpretation using a computer simulator program or traditional teaching leads to improved scores in a test of ECG interpretation among medical students and postgraduate doctors immediately after and 3months following teaching. Participants' opinions of the program were assessed using a questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in ECG interpretation test scores immediately after or 3months after teaching in the lecture or simulator groups. At present therefore, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that ECG simulator programs are superior to traditional teaching.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) remains an essential skill for medical students and junior doctors. While many techniques for teaching ECG interpretation are described, no single method has been shown to be superior. PURPOSE: This randomized control trial is the first to investigate whether teaching ECG interpretation using a computer simulator program or traditional teaching leads to improved scores in a test of ECG interpretation among medical students and postgraduate doctors immediately after and 3months following teaching. Participants' opinions of the program were assessed using a questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in ECG interpretation test scores immediately after or 3months after teaching in the lecture or simulator groups. At present therefore, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that ECG simulator programs are superior to traditional teaching.
Authors: Paulo A I Pontes; Rafael O Chaves; Roberto C Castro; Érica F de Souza; Marcos C R Seruffo; Carlos R L Francês Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2018-03-15 Impact factor: 3.411