DOI: 10.25282/ted.1865726 ISSN: 1303-328X

Nephrology-Focused ECG Interpretation: A Prospective Study in Internal Medicine Residency

Taha Enes Cetin, Veysel Baran Tomar, Burak Sezenöz, Özden Seçkin, Özant Helvacı, Yasemin Erten
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ObjectiveElectrocardiography (ECG) interpretation plays a crucial role in the management of nephrology patients, who are particularly vulnerable to electrolyte imbalances and arrhytmias. Despite its clinical significance, ECG interpretation accurary remains suboptimal among non-cardiology physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured ECG training program o internal medicine residents’ interpretation skills, with a focus on ECG patterns commonly observed in nephrology.Methods A prospective study involving 110 internal medicine residents. Baseline ECG interpretation skills were evaluated using a 24-question multiple-choice test covering nephrology-relevant ECG abnormalities, including hyperkalemia and arrhythmias. A structured four-week ECG training program, led by cardiology faculty, was implemented. Residents attended weekly sessions reviewing 25 ECGs each, analyzing a total of 100 ECGs during the program. Post-training assessment was conducted using the same test under identical conditions. Results The mean baseline ECG interpretation score was 76.9/100 (range: 40–100), which significantly improved to 86/100 (range: 60–100) following the training program (p

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