Why this idea?
In an increasingly medicolegal world, the fear around assessment and interpretation of clinical symptoms and ECGs is undoubtedly increased. Some of us perform this frequently but for front door or outpatient-based general colleagues the interpretation of investigations can become a dark art with nervousness around subtle findings. There is a lack of problem-based professional development in paediatric cardiology so constructing an update to support colleagues in confidence and skill to triage and manage undifferentiated paediatric patients is good for patients, colleagues and the wider NHS.
How will it work?
Educational research tells us we learn best when we attempt to solve problems ourselves. Each of the early sessions will provide cases with a short synopsis and an associated ECG. The challenge is to work out an initial management plan, including when to refer, as might be applicable in the emergency department or general paediatric ward. Each section will be on a topic; rhythm, axis / QRS complexes or the all too fearful ST segment and T waves. Each section is accompanied by a short crib sheet to help you with interpretation. These will be available to you after the course too.
Later sessions recap this and look at other clinical presentations forgetting the electrical stuff and focussing on common clinical presentations and when to worry.
