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12 Lead Electrocardiogram Interpretation - HEA00110M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Module co-ordinator: Mrs. Jessica Powell
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module aims to provide nursing, medical, and allied health professionals with a detailed understanding of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and its analysis and interpretation in clinical contexts in the care of adult patients. The module has been developed to enable practitioners to gain knowledge of the theoretical principles underpinning the ECG to enable a deeper level of understanding of clinically important abnormalities that will enhance the care of the acutely ill cardiovascular patient and patients presenting with signs and symptoms which may be cardiac in origin.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to provide nursing, medical, and allied health professionals with a detailed understanding of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and its analysis and interpretation in clinical contexts in the care of adult patients. The module has been developed to enable practitioners to gain knowledge of the theoretical principles underpinning the ECG to enable a deeper level of understanding of clinically important abnormalities that will enhance the care of the acutely ill cardiovascular patient and patients presenting with signs and symptoms which may be cardiac in origin.

The module facilitates the development of clinical skills in cardiovascular assessment and ECG interpretation in clinical practice, as well as the ability to appraise and critique current evidence. The practitioner will also have the opportunity to develop skills in reflecting on their own practice. At Level 7 students will develop the ability critically analyse the impact of ECG findings and discuss and evaluate the treatment options and likely outcomes for people in their care.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a systematic, comprehensive and detailed level of knowledge and understanding in relation to cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.
  2. Accurately and systematically interpret and distinguish between a wide variety of normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms and 12 lead ECGs.
  3. Critically evaluate the evidence-based use and limitations of ECG interpretation to support recommendations in patient care for people with complex presentations.
  4. Evaluate and critically analyse the principles of ECG interpretation and the application of problem solving in making sound clinical judgements.
  5. Independently integrate knowledge, clinical information, problem solving and physical examination skills with sound diagnostic reasoning and patient management in the care of the cardiovascularly unstable patient and patients presenting with possible cardiac problems
  6. Accurately analyse a series of 12 Lead ECGs from a single patient journey. Critically evaluate the available care and treatment options and design an evidence-based plan of care for that individual underpinned by contemporary best practice

Module content

Topics will include:

  • Cardiac anatomy and physiology
  • The ECG in the healthy person
  • Atrial arrhythmias
  • Ventricular arrhythmias
  • Heart blocks
  • Pacemakers, AICDs and other implantable cardiac devices.
  • Patient centred care
  • Acute coronary syndromes
  • Cardiac axis and axis deviation

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : 12 Lead Electrocardiogram Interpretation		 5 hours 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Additional assessment information

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the module in a variety of ways:

- Ongoing verbal feedback/dialogue during lectures and seminars.

- Ongoing formative work allows students to access feedback from peers and the teaching staff, at a minimum this will be offered on four occasions through engagement with the distance elements of the module (although this is likely to be much higher).

- A final revision session offers students the opportunity to receive feedback while they work on a formative multiple-choice examination paper (which has been developed by their peers) as well as practice short answer questions.

- Cohort feedback on the summative assessment will be provided in line with Departmental policy for examinations.

Indicative reading

  • Hampton, J,R. (2008) The ECG Made Easy. 7th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Hampton, J,R. (2008) The ECG in Practice. 5th ed. China: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Houghton, A,R. and Gray, D. (2020) Making Sense of the ECG: A Hands on Guide. 5th ed.
  • London: CRC Press.
  • Houghton, A,R. ( 2014) Making Sense of the ECG: Cases for Self-Assessment. . 2nd ed. London:CRC Press
  • The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology. (2010) Clinical Guidelines by Consensus: Recording a 12-lead electrocardiogram, an approved methodology. Available at http://www.scst.org.uk/resources/consensus_guideline_for_recording_a_12_lead_ecg_Rev_072010b.pdf. Accessed 27.08.2014.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.