The research project entitled “Evaluation of knowledge of electrocardiography among general practitioners in Colombia,” presented by members of the Cardiovascular Research Seedbed, affiliated with the Electrocardiography Research Group, was awarded first place in the category “Best Research Project, Health Education,” at the U25 Fest scientific event, held at the UIS from November 4 to 7, 2025.
This work, developed by seed members Laura Valentina Arciniegas, Carlos González, Lyda Mariana Herrera, and María Camila Leal, and directed by Dr. Oscar Leonel Rueda-Ochoa, was a multicenter study in eight cities across the country in which 501 general practitioners were recruited and asked to complete a sociodemographic survey and examine 20 electrocardiographic tracings, following the recommendations of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in its ECG-EXAM program.
The results showed poor performance by Colombian general practitioners in reading electrocardiograms, as only 25% of those surveyed passed the test, with the diagnosis of arrhythmias (23% pass rate) and heart blockages (17% pass rate) being the areas with the greatest knowledge deficit.
The variables found to be associated with passing the exam were: 1. Reading more than 10 electrocardiograms per week, 2. Self-perceived level of proficiency in electrocardiography, and 3. Taking extracurricular courses in electrocardiography. (see figure)
Congratulations to the winners!
