Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn: impact of simulation training on performance in electrophysiology

Abstract Background Interpretation of intracardiac electrograms plays a key role in electrophysiology (EP) training. However, there had been a substantial gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired in the clinical setting. With the development of an online life-like EP-simulator, interactive training has never been so easily accessible. Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of simulation-based training in electrophysiology, with the help of EP-simulator, by comparing it to traditional-learning methods. Methods 340 participants attended a 3-hour, online video-lecture on basic electrophysiology. Then, they were randomised 1:1 into a traditional-learning and simulation-learning groups. Both groups received presentation slides from the lecture and two textbook recommendations. In addition, simulation-learning group obtained access to online EP-simulator. This was followed by one week of self-learning. At the end, their knowledge was assessed using an online multiple-choice test. Results Eventually, 91 participants from the traditional-learning group and 67 participants from the simulation-learning group took the final test. The simulation-learning group, which obtained additionally an access to EP-simulator, scored significantly better than the traditional-learning group (mean score=15.10 vs 13.16, p=0.022). Conclusion EP-simulator can possibly contribute to better learning results. Including simulation in training programs may have an impact on educational outcomes.Course of the studyEP-simulator interface