Online Training on ‘ECG Interpretation’ for Intern Doctors and Residents – A Pilot Curriculum

Abstract

Diagnostics plays a vital role in medical knowledge, with the electrocardiogram (ECG) being one of the most important yet challenging diagnostic tools to teach in clinical education. Intern doctors and residents are typically tasked with the initial interpretation of ECGs and need to make treatment decisions based on their evaluations. However, as these learners embark on their training, there can be considerable variation in their proficiency in ECG interpretation. Incorrect ECG assessments often negatively impact clinical decision-making and result in unfavourable patient outcomes. Therefore, we have designed and developed an online training curriculum on ‘ECG Interpretation’ based on 6 modules targeting intern doctors and residents. Using digital technology has become increasingly prominent and gained popularity among learners (e.g., e-learning) in our country; medical education is not an exception, too. Hence, we have taken this opportunity to incorporate the use of technology as well as different open access resources (that fit within the curriculum) to allow our learners to explore and practice the different elements of ECG and its interpretation. Our curriculum has been designed in a manner that can make ECG teaching easy and accessible, with a range of videos, interactive materials, and practical examples to guide medical interns and residents through the process. Though our target audience initially are intern doctors and residents, anyone from health professions having a keen interest in ECG (as a diagnostic tool) can join the training in future to enhance his/her knowledge and expertise in ECG interpretation. This training would be more effective if coordination among medical colleges and other higher training institutions of the country is ensured; such innovative approach may encourage other medical faculties to come up with more similar short courses in online platform to help us expand proper knowledge, skill and attitude among intern doctors and residents.

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:198-204