ECG Reading Masterclass
Read the Rhythm. Guide the Treatment.
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport
🎓 2.5 CE Hours (ACPE)
👥 10 Seats Only
A 62-year-old patient on haloperidol, ondansetron, and levofloxacin develops a syncopal episode. The 12-lead ECG shows a QTc of 587 ms and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia — Torsades de Pointes. Three QT-prolonging medications, no monitoring, no pharmacist review. Drug-induced arrhythmias are among the most preventable causes of in-hospital cardiac arrest, but only if the pharmacist can read the ECG and connect the dots between the rhythm and the medication profile.
How This Workshop Works
This workshop uses a flipped classroom model — you master ECG fundamentals online at your own pace, then apply your skills to real 12-lead ECG strips and complex drug-interaction cases during the in-person session.
Component 1: Online Prework
1.5 contact hours | Knowledge-based | Self-paced
6 modules covering ECG anatomy, the HEARTS systematic interpretation method, drug-induced ECG changes (QT prolongation, sodium channel blockade, digoxin, beta-blockers/CCBs), arrhythmia recognition, and electrolyte abnormalities on ECG. Includes a baseline pre-test and graded post-test.
Component 2: In-Person Session
1.0 contact hours | Application-based | April 10, 2026
ECG strip interpretation stations with real patient context, a QT prolongation risk-benefit debate case, and a rapid-fire ECG challenge competition. You will interpret actual 12-lead tracings, write pharmacist recommendations, and defend clinical decisions.
Essential for pharmacists managing: Antiarrhythmics • Electrolyte Replacement • Toxicology • Anticoagulation • Code Response • Critical Care Transitions
Faculty
Lead Faculty / CPE Administrator: Madison Miracle MD & Jimmy Pruitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, BCEMP
All faculty, planners, and content reviewers involved in this CE activity have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This activity was planned and implemented in accordance with ACPE Standards for Integrity and Independence.
Learning Objectives
Prework Objectives (Knowledge-Based)
Upon completion of the prework, the pharmacist will be able to:
- Identify the components of a normal ECG tracing (P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, QT/QTc interval) and their physiological correlates
- Describe a systematic approach to ECG interpretation (rate, rhythm, axis, intervals, ST/T-wave changes)
- List the most common drug-induced ECG changes and the medications responsible (QT prolongation, ST changes, conduction delays)
- Define the criteria for clinically significant bradycardia, tachycardia, and heart block (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
- Recognize ECG patterns associated with electrolyte abnormalities (peaked T waves, U waves, shortened QT)
In-Person Objectives (Application-Based)
Upon completion of the in-person session, the pharmacist will be able to:
- Interpret 12-lead ECG tracings using a systematic approach to identify rhythm, rate, and interval abnormalities
- Differentiate drug-induced ECG changes from pathological findings in a clinical context
- Recommend appropriate pharmacist interventions (drug discontinuation, dose adjustment, electrolyte repletion) based on ECG findings
- Evaluate QTc prolongation risk using a patient’s complete medication profile and clinical risk factors
Course Structure
| Module | Topics | Duration | Quiz |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-Test (Baseline) | 5-question baseline assessment — no pass requirement, results saved for comparison with post-test | 5 min | 5 Qs (survey) |
| 2. Why Pharmacists Read ECGs | The pharmacist’s ECG lens, course roadmap & scope | 10 min | 2 Qs |
| 3. ECG Anatomy & the Normal Tracing | The heart’s electrical system, ECG paper, 12-lead system, normal ECG components & QTc calculation | 20 min | 3 Qs |
| 4. The HEARTS Systematic Method | Why a system matters, the HEARTS steps (H-E-A-R-T-S), worked examples with real strips | 20 min | 3 Qs |
| 5. Drug-Induced ECG Changes | QT prolongation (CredibleMeds tiers), sodium channel blockade, digoxin effect vs toxicity, beta-blocker & CCB effects, electrolyte changes on ECG | 20 min | 4 Qs |
| 6. Rhythms You Need to Recognize | Normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia & tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, heart blocks (1st/2nd/3rd degree), dangerous rhythms (VT, VFib, Torsades de Pointes) | 20 min | 4 Qs |
| 7. Post-Test & Completion | 10-question graded post-test — results compared against your pre-test baseline | 10 min | 10 Qs (70% pass) |
| 8. Resources & What’s Next | Printable study guide (PDF), ECG pocket reference card (PDF), in-person session preview | 5 min | — |
ACPE Accreditation
Provider: Pharmacy Pearls LLC (#0683)
Prework UAN: 0683-9999-26-006-H01-P | 1.5 contact hours | Knowledge-based
In-Person UAN: 0683-9999-26-007-L01-P | 1.0 contact hours | Application-based
Total CE: 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU)
Target Audience: Pharmacists
Release Date: March 30, 2026 | Expiration Date: March 30, 2029
Joint Providership: This activity is jointly provided by Pharmacy Pearls LLC and Society of Emergency Medicine Pharmacists (SEMP).
Pharmacy Pearls LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is accredited for 2.5 contact hours (0.25 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education credit.
Assessment & Completion Requirements
- Pre-Test: 5-question baseline assessment (no pass requirement) — results saved for comparison
- Post-Test: 10 questions, 70% passing score required to unlock the in-person session
- Retries: Unlimited — you can retake the post-test as many times as needed
- Knowledge Checks: 16 formative questions across 5 modules with immediate feedback
- Prework Lessons: All 8 lessons must be marked complete
- In-Person Attendance: Required on April 10, 2026 — ECG strip stations, QT dilemma case, rapid-fire challenge
- CE Evaluation: Must complete the CE evaluation form to receive credit
Schedule & Logistics
📅
April 10, 2026
Pre-Conference Day
📍
DoubleTree by Hilton
Orlando Airport, Orlando, FL
👥
10 Seats
Limited capacity for hands-on experience