AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIFICAÇÃO EM ELETROCARDIOGRAMA DOS INTERNOS DE MEDICINA DA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA PARAÍBA

Abstract

The study aims to assess the competence of medical interns at the Federal University of Paraíba in reading and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECG) and their perceptions of the knowledge acquired during their undergraduate studies. Data was collected from 50 medical students at the UPFB, using questionnaires that tested the diagnosis, risk classification and recommended conduct for different ECG tracings. The results show that the students have a solid understanding of high-risk conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, with 76.92% correctly identifying the diagnosis and 84.61% applying the appropriate conduct. However, difficulties were observed in intermediate diagnoses, such as bundle branch block and supraventricular tachycardia, with correct answers ranging from 25% to 30.76%, as well as a significant variation in risk classification and choice of appropriate conduct. The students' self-perception correlated with their performance, with those who rated themselves as good or fair getting the most correct. The study concludes that there is a gap in ECG training, suggesting the need to improve the curriculum and encourage participation in activities that can strengthen the confidence and competence of future doctors in the management of cardiovascular conditions.