This randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of two electrocardiography (ECG) training methods among pediatric residents. After receiving basic ECG training, participants were randomly assigned to either conference-based training or small-group case-based training. ECG interpretation performance was assessed using a structured examination at baseline, immediately after basic training, and at 1 and 4 months after the randomized educational interventions. The study aimed to compare changes in ECG interpretation performance over time between the two training methods and to evaluate the retention of ECG knowledge.
This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study was conducted among pediatric residents at Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital in Izmir, Türkiye. Participants first received basic ECG training delivered by the same pediatric cardiology specialist. A total of 76 pediatric residents were enrolled and participated in the initial assessment and basic ECG training. Of these, 63 participants proceeded to randomization and were allocated in a 1:1 ratio to conference-based training or small-group case-based training. Both educational interventions covered the same learning objectives and ECG content and had comparable training durations. ECG interpretation performance was evaluated using a structured examination consisting of 10 pediatric ECG cases. The assessment included heart rate, cardiac axis, rhythm, identification of pathological findings, and final ECG diagnosis. Assessments were performed before and immediately after the initial basic ECG training and at 1 and 4 months following the randomized educational interventions. The primary objective was to compare changes in ECG interpretation performance over time between the two training methods.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
76
Participants received a 45-minute conference-based ECG training session delivered by a pediatric cardiology specialist. The training covered predefined pediatric ECG interpretation objectives and content.
Participants received a 45-minute small-group case-based ECG training session in groups of 5-6 participants. The training used interactive pediatric ECG cases and feedback and covered the same predefined ECG interpretation objectives and content as the conference-based training.
Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital
Izmir, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in ECG Interpretation Performance Over Time
ECG interpretation performance was assessed using a structured examination consisting of 10 pediatric ECG cases. For each ECG, participants were evaluated on heart rate, cardiac axis, rhythm, identification of pathological findings, and final ECG diagnosis. The total score was standardized to a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating better ECG interpretation performance. The primary outcome was the change in ECG interpretation scores over time and its comparison between the conference-based and small-group case-based training groups.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after basic ECG training, 1 month, and 4 months
Retention of ECG Interpretation Performance
Retention of ECG interpretation performance was assessed using the same structured 10-case pediatric ECG examination. The total score was standardized to a 0-10 scale, with higher scores indicating better ECG interpretation performance. Changes in performance between the 1-month and 4-month assessments were evaluated to assess retention of ECG interpretation knowledge.
Time frame: 1 month and 4 months after the randomized educational interventions
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