Electrocardiography teaching methods

Authors

Keywords:

ECG learning, ECG teaching, ECG competence, digital learning, face-to-face lectures, flipped classroom

Abstract

Introduction: For decades, medical schools have been teaching the electrocardiogram, yet low competency in this subject persists. The effectiveness of new teaching methods compared to traditional ones in addressing this gap remains a topic of study and debate.

Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss the methods used in the electrocardiogram teaching.

Methods: A comprehensive search of citations published in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from August 2024 to November 2024. The search terms included: electrocardiography teaching; electrocardiography learning; competence; face-to-face lectures; digital learning; and flipped classroom. A total of 345 articles were identified, with 63 included in the review based on the quality of results and relevance to the topic.

Results: There is no gold standard for electrocardiogram teaching; thus, a variety of traditional and innovative methods are utilized, either in combination or as standalone approaches. Notable methods include traditional lectures, internet-based education, flipped classrooms, computer-assisted programs for electrocardiogram interpretation, mobile applications, and near-peer teaching. While all methods facilitate learning, no specific method is considered the best. However, self-directed learning correlates with lower interpretation competence. Evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that summative assessment contributes more to electrocardiogram learning than formative assessment and reduces discrepancies between teaching methods.

Conclusions: A diverse range of methods exists for electrocardiogram teaching. Combining various approaches appears to be the most effective strategy, with summative assessment having a greater impact on learning outcomes.

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Author Biography

Raimundo Carmona Puerta, Universidad Católica del Cibao

Doctor en Ciencias Medicas. Profesor Titular. Cardiologo y Fisiologo. Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society y Fellow de la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiologia.

Published

2025-03-01

How to Cite

1.
Carmona Puerta R, Lorenzo Martínez E. Electrocardiography teaching methods. Educación Médica Superior [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 1 [cited 2025 Mar. 12];39. Available from: https://ems.sld.cu/index.php/ems/article/view/4558

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Section

Artículos de Revisión