Teaching electrocardiogram basics using dance and movement.

Objective: To implement and assess an innovative approach to teaching electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms using dance and movement.

Design: Recognition of ECG rhythms was taught to a group of third-year pharmacy students using dance and movement via collaboration with a dance faculty member. A control group was taught using traditional pharmacy lecture and PowerPoint slides.

Assessment: A pretest and posttest were administered to both groups. There was a trend in test score improvement in the dance and movement group. After the sessions, a focus group was held to assess student perceptions using qualitative methods. Students thought the addition of dance helped them with speed of retention and recognition of ECG rhythms. Some students reported feeling out of their comfort zone.

Conclusion: Interprofessional collaboration between pharmacy and dance faculty members resulted in an innovative teaching methodology for ECG rhythms that increased test scores.