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.

The 2013 Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine.

In 2001, "The Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine" was first published. This document, the first of its kind, was the result of an extensive practice analysis of emergency department (ED) visits and several expert panels, overseen by representatives from six collaborating professional organizations (the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the Residency Review Committee for Emergency Medicine, the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors, and the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association). Every 2 years, the document is reviewed by these organizations to identify practice changes, incorporate new evidence, and identify perceived deficiencies. For this revision, a seventh organization was included, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.