Background and Purpose Accurate interpretation of an Electrocardiogram is a vital skill for nursing staff to ensure patient safety and timely intervention in cardiovascular care. Traditional training methods often lack the interactive and complex nature of real-life clinical situations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative training program that uses Artificial Intelligence to create realistic clinical scenarios. The goal is to determine if this technology-enhanced approach improves nurses' knowledge, their ability to make clinical decisions (clinical reasoning), and their confidence in performing these tasks (self-efficacy). Study Design and Methodology The researchers will conduct a study involving nursing staff to compare their performance before and after the training intervention. Participants will engage with Artificial Intelligence supported clinical scenarios specifically designed for Electrocardiogram interpretation. Data Collection To measure the impact of the training, the study will use four primary tools: An Electrocardiogram Interpretation Knowledge Test to measure theoretical understanding. An assessment of Nursing Decision-Making in Electrocardiogram Interpretation to evaluate practical clinical reasoning. A Self-Efficacy Scale for Artificial Intelligence-based Electrocardiogram Training to measure the participants' confidence in their skills. Focus group discussions will be held at the end of the study to gain deeper qualitative insights into the nursing staff's experiences and perceptions of using technology in their professional development.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
64
This intervention consists of an original educational software designed and developed by the researcher. The software utilizes Artificial Intelligence to generate interactive and adaptive clinical scenarios focused on Electrocardiogram interpretation. Participants interact with high-fidelity simulations where the Artificial Intelligence engine adjusts the complexity of the case based on the user's responses. The software provides immediate feedback, rationales for correct nursing decisions, and tracks the progress of the nursing staff in real-time. Training sessions are structured to enhance clinical reasoning and self-efficacy through immersive, technology-enhanced learning
This intervention represents the standard educational approach for nursing staff. It includes traditional classroom-based lectures and the use of static educational materials such as printed manuals and PowerPoint presentations. The content covers the same theoretical and practical principles of Electrocardiogram interpretation as the intervention group but without the use of Artificial Intelligence or interactive clinical scenarios. The sessions are led by an instructor in a conventional learning environment, focusing on passive knowledge acquisition and standardized clinical examples.
Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University
Alexandria, Egypt
Electrocardiogram Interpretation Knowledge Score
A comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate the theoretical and practical knowledge of nursing staff: Consists of 15 multiple-choice questions specifically designed to assess the cognitive knowledge level of nurses regarding the fundamental principles of Electrocardiogram interpretation.such as analysis of basic waveform components, calculating heart rate, identification of common arrhythmias, atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, and evaluation of life-threatening cardiac rhythms. Each correct answer is awarded one point, with a total possible score of 15. where scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 15, Higher scores indicate a higher level of knowledge in Electrocardiogram interpretation.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 2 weeks post-intervention (Post-test)
Nursing Clinical Decision-Making Score using Case Vignettes
Measured using a specialized assessment tool consisting of 10 clinical case vignettes. Each vignette presents a specific patient scenario related to cardiovascular care and requires the participant to analyze Electrocardiogram findings and choose the most appropriate nursing intervention through Multiple-Choice Questions. This tool evaluates the nursing staff's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-life clinical situations, where scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 10, with higher scores indicating a better outcome, Higher total scores across the 10 vignettes indicate superior clinical decision-making skills and better professional judgment in Electrocardiogram interpretation.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 2 weeks post-intervention (Post-test)
Nursing Decision-Making Scale in Electrocardiogram Interpretation
This is an 8-item self-report tool designed to assess the clinical judgment and confidence of nursing staff regarding Electrocardiogram interpretation. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). Scoring and Interpretation: Minimum and Maximum Values: The total score ranges from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 40. High Competence (30-40): Indicates high clinical judgment and professional confidence in interpreting heart rhythms. Moderate Ability (19-29): Indicates moderate clinical judgment; the nurse may require supervision or further guidance. Low Competence (8-18): Indicates poor confidence and a high risk of errors in clinical judgment. Higher total scores reflect a better outcome, representing greater clinical competence and safer decision-making in cardiovascular care.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 2 weeks post-intervention (Post-test)
General Self-Efficacy Scale for Electrocardiogram Interpretation and Clinical Tasks
A 10-item psychometric scale adapted to assess the nursing staff's perceived confidence and self-belief in their ability to perform Electrocardiogram interpretation and associated clinical tasks effectively under various conditions. Scoring System: Each item is scored on a 4-point Likert scale: 1. Not at all true 2. Hardly true 3. Moderately true 4. Exactly true Interpretation of Total Score (Range 10-40): High Self-Efficacy (31-40): Indicates strong perceived competence and high self-belief in managing cardiovascular care challenges. Moderate Self-Efficacy (21-30): Indicates moderate confidence in managing clinical demands. Low Self-Efficacy (10-20): Indicates low belief in the ability to cope with professional challenges in Electrocardiogram interpretation. Higher total scores indicate a better outcome, representing stronger perceived competence and higher self-efficacy among the nursing staff.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and two weeks after the completion of the training intervention (Follow-up test).
Nurses' Perception and Satisfaction with Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Learning in Electrocardiogram Interpretation
This qualitative outcome assesses the participants' acceptance, perceived usefulness, usability, and satisfaction with the Artificial Intelligence-assisted learning platform specifically designed for Electrocardiogram interpretation. Data Collection and Analysis: Method: Data will be collected through focus group discussions to explore the nursing staff's lived experiences and feedback. Method of Analysis: Results will be analyzed using Thematic Analysis to identify recurring patterns, themes, and sub-themes related to the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test) and 2 weeks post-intervention (Post-test)
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