Using computerised interactive response technology to assess electrocardiographers and for aggregating diagnoses

The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool. However, the ideal method to assess competency in ECG interpretation remains unclear. We sought to evaluate whether keypad response technology provides a rapid, interactive way to assess ECG knowledge. 75 participants were enrolled [32 (43%) Primary Care Physicians, 24 (32%) Hospital Medical Staff and 19 (25%) Nurse Practitioners]. Nineteen ECGs with 4 possible answers were interpreted. Out of 1425 possible decisions 1054 (73.9%) responses were made. Only 570/1425 (40%) of the responses were correct. Diagnostic accuracy varied (0% to 78%, mean 42% ± 21%) across the entire cohort. Participation was high, (median 83%, IQR 50%–100%). Hospital Medical Staff had significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than nurse practitioners (50 ± 20% vs. 38 ± 19%, p = 0.04) and Primary Care Physicians (50 ± 20% vs. 40 ± 21%, p = 0.07) although not significant. Interactive voting systems can be rapidly and successfully used to assess ECG interpretation. Further education is necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy.