Abstract
Background The cardiorespiratory physiology of congenital heart defects can be complex and junior trainees infrequently receive training in echocardiogram interpretation. A rotation in paediatric cardiology provides a wealth of learning opportunities however these may not be realised because of service pressures.
Objectives This quality improvement project aimed to maximise the educational opportunities of clerking ward admissions for junior trainees on a paediatric cardiology ward. The two structured interventions focussed on tandem interpretation of patients’ cardiorespiratory physiology and echocardiogram findings, between junior and senior trainees, with the aim of encouraging learning and feedback.
Methods An anonymous questionnaire of six junior trainees collected baseline quantitative data to assess educational aspects of clerking admissions on a cardiology ward in a paediatric cardiology centre in London. Two educational interventions were implemented for 4 months and the questionnaire was subsequently repeated. The first educational intervention was a poster reminding junior trainees to draw a box heart and to review the echocardiogram for the newly admitted patients they clerked. The second educational intervention was a junior-senior discussion on the cardiorespiratory pathophysiology and key findings on echocardiogram for the newly admitted patients they clerked. The results were analysed using percentages.
Results Following the implementation of the two interventions, the proportion of junior trainees who drew a box heart and reviewed the echocardiogram of patients they clerked increased. Junior trainees reported a higher level of confidence in their understanding of the cardiorespiratory physiology of patients they clerked, and in identifying their key findings on echocardiogram. The reported combined time taken to draw a box heart and review the echocardiogram did not exceed fifteen minutes.
Conclusions Drawing a box heart and reviewing the echocardiogram with senior support are two quick methods to increase the educational aspects of clerking ward admissions for junior trainees on a paediatric cardiology ward.