ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) WORKSHOP FOR INTERNS

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. By doing ECG diagnosis of different heart conditions are done. It is also used to is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker. ECG interpretation is a core competence and can make a significant difference to patient outcomes. However, ECG interpretation is a complex skill to learn, and research has showed that students often lack enough competence.

So to fill this knowledge gap ECG) workshop was organized by the student body NHC NGMC (Nepal Health Corps, Nepalgunj Medical College) in collaboration with Nepalgunj Medical College, Department of Medicine.

Rationale

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most common, useful noninvasive diagnostic bedside procedures in clinical practice. Misinterpretation of an ECG can lead to morbidity and mortality, especially in the realms of myocardial infarction, heart block, and arrhythmias .Despite the importance of correct ECG interpretation in clinical management researches claimed that medical students and interns had suboptimal level of understanding regarding ECG interpretation. Different studies showed that medical students demonstrated low confidence and poor ECG interpretation skills.

Thus, we felt a dire need to enhance the understanding and interpretation skills of ECGs among intern and medical students. So ECG workshop was conducted targeting them.

Objectives

The primary objective of the workshop was to provide intern medical students with a comprehensive understanding of ECG interpretation and its clinical significance. The specific goals were as follows:

To provide a brief overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart along with the basic principles and techniques of ECG acquisition.

To Discuss common ECG abnormalities and their associated clinical implications.

To Provide hands-on practice for ECG interpretation.

Workshop Activities

Date: 2079-11-22 (6th March, 2023)
Time: (2-5) PM
Participants: 55

The ECG workshop was conducted as a one-day session and comprised the following activities:

Introduction: An overview of the workshop, objectives and agenda was presented.

Didactic Sessions: Expert faculty from the Head of Department of Medicine Associate Prof. Dr. Dipendra Khadka, DM in Hepatology and Dr. Arjun Gautam, Senior Resident in Internal Medicine delivered informative lectures on the anatomy of the heart, ECG waveform components, and common ECG abnormalities.

Hands-on Practice: A booklet was devised by the Academic co-ordinator of the team encompassing normal and commonly encountered abnormal ECG patters. These booklets were provided to all participants. They were supervised by experienced clinicians to practice interpreting ECG findings. Case based discussions were conducted along with subsequent emergency management and referral needs in critical cases.

Q&A and Feedback: An interactive session allowed participants to clarify doubts and provide feedback of the workshop.

Results and Outcomes

ECG workshop yielded the following outcomes:

Participants acquired a comprehensive understanding of ECG interpretation, including recognizing normal and abnormal findings.

Intern and medical students developed practical skills in analyzing ECG waveforms and identifying various cardiac abnormalities.

The hands-on practice and interactive sessions instilled confidence in participants and ability to interpret ECGs accurately.

Participants gained insights into the clinical significance of ECG findings and their implications for patient care promising advancement in decision making skills.