Online United Kingdom
DEGREE TYPE
Course
DURATION
2 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
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Introduction
Understand the principles of electrocardiography and learn a step-by-step approach to the ECG test, with this free online course.
Why join the course?
The electrocardiograph (also known as electrocardiogram) or ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, commonly used to assess people with known or suspected heart disease, in a variety of healthcare settings.
Competent recording, reading and interpretation are vital to ensure safe and effective care, yet ECGs are commonly undertaken by unqualified and junior staff, who have received little training.
Gain an introduction to ECG assessment and interpretation
This free online course will equip you with an introductory understanding of ECG assessment and interpretation, which will support the further hands-on training that is needed to competently perform the ECG test in clinical practice.
Over two weeks, you will be guided through a step-by-step approach to undertaking the procedure, including ECG lead placement, and how to deal with common challenges you may face in obtaining a high-quality ECG reading. You will also explore the principles of electrophysiology, and how to recognise a normal heart rhythm, as well as signs of arrhythmia.
You will learn through demonstrations and interactive animations, and be able to check your knowledge and deepen your understanding through a variety of quizzes and peer discussion.
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service: This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles.
When would you like to start?
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts.
- Available now
Who will you learn with?
Jo Gregory
I am an Associate Professor for Undergraduate Workforce Development and also a Registered Nurse with extensive experience of teaching cardiac care to Healthcare Providers from a range of backgrounds.
Who developed the course?
St George's, University of London
St George’s is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research.
Kingston and St George's Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education
The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education is a joint enterprise of Kingston University and St George’s, University of London.
Curriculum
What topics will you cover
- What are ECGs and why are they useful?
- How to record an ECG.
- Troubleshooting and challenges in obtaining a high-quality ECG.
- Recognising normal sinus rhythm.
- Introduction to arrhythmias.
Program Outcome
What will you achieve
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to:
- Explain the heart’s normal electrical activity and the meaning of the term ‘sinus rhythm’.
- Describe an ECG and what it measures.
- Discuss the reasons for recording an ECG.
- Identify the steps involved in recording a standard 12 lead ECG, including electrode placement and the pre and post-procedure considerations.
- Identify problems in obtaining a good quality ECG and suggest solutions to these.
- Explain the relationship between the heart’s electrical activity and ECG waveforms.
- Summarise the parameters for normal sinus rhythm.
- Describe some key features of arrhythmias and their potential impact.
Ideal Students
Who is the course for
This course is suitable for a range of existing healthcare providers, including qualified and student nurses, paramedics and support workers.