Electrocardiogram interpretation competency among undergraduate nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Cardiac diseases are highly prevalent. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a noninvasive, rapid, safe, and low-cost procedure that is commonly used by nurses in clinical settings to diagnose a variety of cardiac arrhythmia. However, there is a limited number of studies that have assessed nursing students' competencies in electrocardiogram interpretation in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the electrocardiogram interpretation competency among undergraduate nursing students and to evaluate the effectiveness of the electrocardiogram interpretation educational program. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post-test design was conducted. A pre-post-test self-administered standardized questionnaire was completed by a convenient sample of 79 nursing students who enrolled in an educational program. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with p < .05 was assumed. The study hypothesized that ECG competency scores of nursing students who are enrolled in an educational program will be higher in post-test than their pre-test scores. Results: The vast majority of students (96.2%) expressed their interest to enroll in more ECG training sessions. The study results showed that students' mean ECG interpretation competency was 4.16 (1.88) and 7.43 (2.38) in pre- and post-tests, respectively, with a statistical significance of p < .001. Conclusion: Overall performance of nursing students was limited. Study results confirm the primary hypothesis that the educational program was effective in improving students' ECG interpretation competencies. More ECG contents and programs should be integrated into nursing curricula and more follow-up studies are recommended. This study highlighted the significance of equipping nursing students with ECG interpretation competencies through education and training to ensure safe practice.