Abstract
BACKGROUND: Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a critical skill for medical students that requires regular practice to achieve competency. Microlearning is an emerging pedagogical trend that offers students repetitive, short, and focused e-learning sessions. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a 6-week, daily, digital ECG training program based on microlearning principles among undergraduate medical students. METHODS: We conducted a bicentric noncontrolled pilot study. Volunteer medical students received a daily (from Monday to Friday) ECG quiz via commonly used digital platforms, followed by immediate feedback, for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the daily participation rate. Skill improvement was evaluated through a baseline test and a final test (20 questions, score ranging from 0-20). Student satisfaction and self-assessment of progression were measured. RESULTS: A total of 47 students were included. The median daily participation rate was high, at 80.9% (iinterquartile range 73.9-86.2), but it tended to decrease over time (weeks 1-2, 87.2%; weeks 3-4, 81.2%; weeks 5-6, 70.2%). A comparison of baseline and final test scores showed a significant improvement, of 1.1 points (95% confidence interval 0.15-2.1; P = 0.03), after the program. No significant correlation was found between individual participation rate and score improvement. Overall, 93% of students subjectively perceived progression, and 93% were satisfied with the training program. CONCLUSIONS: Daily quiz-based microlearning is a feasible method to support ECG training, with high initial adherence. Future controlled studies are required to evaluate the impact of integrating this approach with traditional teaching methods and assess its long-term efficacy and sustainability.