A Novel Model for in-vivo Training of Postgraduates on Cardiac Electrical Conduction System Mapping Skills

ObjectiveStandardizationTo explore a novel special technique intensive mode (STIM) of teaching cardiac conduction system mapping skills. This method includes theoretical lecture, in vivo operation, 5-whys methods of analyses, intensive-problem oriented trainings, and assessments.MethodsTen post-graduates majoring in cardiology who have equivalent education backgrounds and technical levels were randomly divided into two groups (n=5 per group). All participants underwent a skill training on cardiac electrophysiology mapping, with one group training under the STIM and the other group under the traditional "theory-practice-test" (TPT) mode. The effect of these two educational techniques were evaluated at the end of the training.ResultsPostgraduates in the STIM group had a more solid grasp of the anatomical position and structure of the cardiac conduction system than those in the TPT group. During in-vivo operation, the students in the STIM group reconstructed and interpreted the electroanatomical maps, voltage maps, electric excitation maps, and electric conduction maps more accurately and quickly than those in the TPT group.ConclusionThe STIM teaching mode more effectively improved the basic surgical skills of postgraduates, stimulated the students' learning initiative, and improved the quality of education. STIM is a kind of intensive teaching mode of special skills, and is worth widely implementing in the education of postgraduates majoring in cardiovascular diseases.