Pre and Post Workshop Knowledge Assessment Regarding ECG and Arrhythmia Management in Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of ECG interpretation workshops as a useful tool in medical education for teaching the integrated cardiovascular module for undergraduate medical students. Study design and setting: Cross sectional (pre and post workshop quiz) at Jinnah Medical and Dental College over four months from August-November 2019. Methodology: Total 80 undergraduate medical students participated in the training session. Pre-workshop Quiz was conducted MCQs (single best answer) to determine the prior knowledge of participants on ECG interpretation and action of antiarrhythmic drugs. Interactive lectures were delivered by the cardiology consultant and faculty of pharmacology. Comprehensive hands-on skill session for 12-limb lead and ECG interpretation was organized by the physiology department. Post-Quiz included MCQs (single best answer). Feedback forms were filled at the end of the training and lecture sessions. Paired students T test was used on SPSS 21. Results: Total Eighty 4th year MBBSÊparticipated in pre-workshop quiz (MCQs) and post MCQs Sixty (75%) students had an unsatisfactory score and only twenty (25%) had satisfactory scores in pre- training Quiz. Post-training and lecture sessions, Quiz (MCQs) scores had significant improvement. Seventy (87%) students had a satisfactory score of which five students were outstanding and only five (6%) scored unsatisfactory. Feedback form filled and the comments were recorded. Conclusions: It was found by post workshop quiz scores and feedback regarding interdepartmental integrated activity results in a better teaching and learning outcomes. Post workshop Quiz scores indicated the improvement in ECG interpretation and skills.

Improvement in Competency and Confidence Level of House Officers in ECG Interpretation after a Goal-Directed ECG Workshop

“…18 Various studies also observed similar results, with a significant improvement in mean post-workshop test scores. 4,19 Another local study showed a significant improvement in test scores after the workshop, 20 thereby underscoring the effectiveness of this method of teaching ECG interpretation.…”

“…Furthermore, there may be more than one style of learning which suits a particular student. 20 While the optimal strategy for teaching ECG interpretation to medical students, in general, is yet to be defined, the medical literature does suggest that the lecture-or workshop-based teaching formats yield optimum results while teaching ECG interpretation to medical students. Thus, if an approach of "blended learning" is adopted, that is, combining two or more methods of teaching, like e-learning and group discussion, we can expect better outcome as the students will be actively engaged in the whole process.…”