Introduction to ECG Interpretation for Primary Care
Introduction to ECG Interpretation for Primary Care – Basics of ECG is designed for healthcare professionals who want to build confidence in understanding and interpreting simple ECG findings. This clear, foundational course offers a clinically relevant overview tailored for busy primary care clinicians who need practical ECG knowledge without advanced cardiology detail.
Delegates will explore the heart’s electrical conduction system—including the SA node, AV node, heart rate, BPM and rhythm—before moving on to key ECG components such as P waves, QRS complexes, T waves and QTc intervals. The session also links these features to common primary care presentations including arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, and highlights how medications such as antidepressants can influence ECG findings.
Please note: This introductory session does not cover 12‑lead ECG interpretation, electrode placement or advanced cardiology conditions.
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the basic electrical conduction system of the heart
Understand the roles of the SA node, AV node and the cardiac conduction pathway, and how these structures generate and regulate heart rhythm.
2. Identify key ECG components and their clinical significance
Recognise and describe P waves, QRS complexes, T waves, heart rate/BPM, rhythm and QTc intervals, and understand what these elements indicate about cardiac function.
3. Relate basic ECG features to common conditions and medication effects
Link simple ECG patterns to arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, and understand how commonly used medications (e.g., antidepressants) can influence ECG findings.
Ideal for nurses, HCAs, ACPs, GPs and allied health professionals seeking a confidence‑building introduction to ECG interpretation.
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