P592 Paediatric ECG interpretation by non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) working in an irish tertiary paediatric centre

Introduction Paediatric ECG interpretation is a core clinical competence in postgraduate paediatric specialist training. Doctors treating paediatric patients with potential cardiac conditions should be familiar with the principles of ECG interpretation and the diagnoses requiring emergency treatment. Research has shown that paediatric ECG interpretation amongst doctors may be suboptimal and that the most effective method of teaching ECG interpretation is unclear.1 Aims This study aims to establish the accuracy of paediatric ECG interpretation by NCHDs working in an Irish Tertiary Paediatric Hospital and to measure the impact of a teaching intervention. Methodology NCHDs working in acute clinical areas in an Irish tertiary paediatric hospital were invited to participate (n=45). Participants were asked to report three ECGs (long QT, Wolf Parkinson White and normal). This was followed by a 40 minutes lecture. Participants were then asked to re-report the same 3 ECGs. Participants also completed questionnaires pre and post the study, including self-rating their ability to report paediatric ECGs on a Likert Scale from 1(poor) to 6 (expert). Results 25 NCHDs completed the study. The pre-teaching accuracy for ECG1 (long QT), ECG 2 (Wolf Parkinson White) and ECG 3 (normal) was 37%, 32% and 24% respectively. Following the teaching intervention these figures rose to 76%, 40% and 44%. There was a statistically significant improvement in the combined before and after accuracy of ECG interpretation (31% v 53%) (p=0.02). There was also an improvement in participant self-rated ability to report paediatric ECG following the study. The mean pre-lecture score on the 1 (Poor)-6(Expert) Likert Scale was 2.84, the mean post lecture score on was 3.8 with the same scale. All participants found the teaching intervention helpful and reported that they would like further teaching on the topic. Discussion The initial accuracy of paediatric ECG interpretation amongst participants was lower than reported in the literature.2 Lectures were shown to be an effective teaching method to improve short-term ECG accuracy rates among participants. Conclusion There is currently no structured post-graduate teaching for paediatric ECG interpretation resulting in a varied knowledge base. This study shows that further education on ECG’s is required. References Jheeta J, et al. Accuracy in interpreting the paediatric ECG: a UK-wide study and the need for improvement. Arch Dis Child 2014;99:646–. Auseon AJ, et al. Methods of teaching and evaluating electrocardiogram interpretation skills among cardiology fellowship programs in the United States. J Electrocardiol 2009;42(4):339–44.