Electrocardiogram (ECG) Training
Course Overview
This 3 hour training course will be delivered by a Clinical Nurse Educator with first hand clinical experience.
Suitable For:
This content is aimed at all surgery staff in a Primary Care setting. Recommended for Healthcare Support Workers who are new to performing ECG's.
Session Aim:
ECGs are a common diagnostic test used to assess the electrical activity of the heart and detect various heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure.
The aim of course is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform and interpret ECG readings.
By the end of the training, participants should be able to understand the anatomy and physiology of the heart and its relationship to ECG readings, identify common indications for undertaking an ECG, correctly place ECG leads on a patient, troubleshoot common issues, interpret basic ECG tracings, and know when to escalate an abnormal ECG to a senior healthcare professional.
Learning Outcomes:
- To understand the anatomy and physiology of the heart, including the electrical conduction system and how it relates to ECG readings.
- To be able to identify common indications for undertaking an ECG in primary care, such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
- To be able to correctly place ECG leads on a patient, troubleshoot common issues such as poor signal quality, and perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram in a safe and effective manner.
- To be able to interpret basic ECG tracings, including identifying normal sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other common arrhythmias.
- To have a good understanding of when to escalate an abnormal ECG to a senior healthcare professional, such as a Registered Nurse or GP, for further evaluation and management.