Effectiveness of electrocardiogram interpretation education program using mixed learning methods and webpage

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to develop an electrocardiogram education program that incorporates an HTML webpage and blended learning methods to enhance electrocardiogram interpretation skills. Through continual and efficient education, the program aims to assist nurses in providing appropriate care and treatment to patients. Design: Pre-post design study Methods: We developed electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage based on electrocardiogram interpretation algorithm and implemented an 18-week (2023.5.15~2023.9.22) electrocardiogram education program, which included daily 5-minute training sessions. Twenty-seven ward nurses were provided with the URL (https://ecgweb.github.io/ECGweb) to the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and were shared one electrocardiogram case daily for self-interpretation. The Electrocardiogram interpretation performance and confidence were evaluated through questionnaires at three phases: before the program, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education. Results: The average score for electrocardiogram interpretation performance before electrocardiogram education program was 11.89, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, it was 14.15, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education, it was 15.56. This shows that electrocardiogram interpretation performance significantly improved over time (p<.001). Additionally, post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in electrocardiogram interpretation performance at each stage, i.e., before, during, and after the application of an electrocardiogram education program. Furthermore, electrocardiogram interpretation confidence questionnaire score (pre-Median=18, post-Median=23) was improved significantly after the completion of the 18-week education program (p<.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, I believe that an electrocardiogram education program using HTML webpages and a blended teaching method would be very beneficial in maintaining and improving electrocardiogram interpretation skills of clinical nurses. Such a program can help nurses interpret electrocardiogram more effectively and assist them in making important decisions in patient care.