Implementation of a Novel Residency-Based Electrocardiogram Curriculum Based on Free Open Access Content

Background: Interpretation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is fundamental in the practice and teaching of emergency medicine. Previous studies have shown that providers of all levels have expressed interest in additional education with ECGs. Asynchronous learning has been shown to be beneficial for improving residents’ ability to recognize findings of acute myocardial ischemia. Objectives: The goal of the study was to know whether a new format based on free, online content would improve residents’ ability to interpret ECGs. Methods: In this 1-year educational pilot study at a single urban teaching hospital, resident physicians participated in a longitudinal curriculum based on free, online content, which was delivered to them electronically on a weekly basis. The study was conducted during the 2016–2017 academic year. Prior to and after the study period, their subjective attitudes toward ECG interpretation, and their objective ability to interpret them successfully, were assessed. Results: Of 42 residents, 25 (59.5%) completed the pre- and post-ECG testing. During the study period, trainees demonstrated improvement in both their subjective attitude toward ECG interpretation and their objective ability to interpret various abnormalities. Conclusions: Despite some important limitations, we believe this study represents an essential step in the development of training methods for the modern emergency medicine trainee.