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Journal article
A qualitative study exploring nurse educators’ experiences and views on nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation
Nurse education in practice, Vol.92, pp.1-9
2026
PMID: 41650855
Abstract
Aim
To explore nurse educators’ experiences and views on nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation in Australian acute care hospitals.
Background
Nurses are often the first responders to escalate care for patients with cardiovascular disease when rhythm abnormalities are detected; however, there is limited evidence of Australian nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation.
Design
A nationwide qualitative exploratory study.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews/focus groups with nurse educators via videoconference from September to October 2024. Inductive content analysis was conducted.
Results
Eighteen participants participated in interviews/focus groups. Nurse educators often perceived nurses as lacking a systematic approach to electrocardiogram interpretation. Nurses showed varying levels of interest, confidence and competency in interpreting electrocardiograms, with these factors strongly associated with the critical care specialties where they worked. Opinions varied on how often nurses should be reassessed for electrocardiogram interpretation competency. Key barriers to nurses’ competency included nurses’ not recognising electrocardiogram interpretation as their responsibility, limited exposure and a low clinical culture associated with education/facilitation. Facilitators included nurses’ perceiving electrocardiogram interpretation as an expectation, collaboration between nurses and doctors, readily available time and different learning approaches. Participants expressed the need for low-cost and available electrocardiogram resources, effective teaching modalities, a consistent university approach and a standardised training program using validated tools.
Conclusion
The findings revealed key barriers and facilitators to Australian nurses’ electrocardiogram interpretation competency. Strategies must be developed to address those barriers and improve nurses’ competency in this area. Future research should focus on developing a standardised training program with validated assessment tools.
Details
- Title
- A qualitative study exploring nurse educators’ experiences and views on nurses’ competency in electrocardiogram interpretation
- Authors
- Yingyan Chen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingJacqueline Colgan - University of TasmaniaCaleb Ferguson - Western Sydney Local Health DistrictJeroen M. Hendriks - Maastricht University Medical CentreKathryn Keller - Florida Atlantic UniversitySusie Cartledge - Monash UniversityFrances Fengzhi Lin - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health
- Publication details
- Nurse education in practice, Vol.92, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.nepr.2026.104751
- ISSN
- 1873-5223; 1471-5953
- PMID
- 41650855
- Copyright note
- © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991212979902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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