Using a multimedia tool to improve cardiac auscultation knowledge and skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Diagnostic Skills

Background:

• Medical school graduates often exhibit deficits in physical examination skills.
• Effective methods for teaching and maintaining these skills are sought by medical educators.
• Cardiac auscultation is a critical diagnostic skill for physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a portable multimedia CD-ROM based curriculum in improving and maintaining cardiac auscultatory skills among medical students.
• To assess the impact of different curriculum components on both auscultation skills and knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A controlled cohort study involving 168 third-year medical students.
• Students were assessed before and after curriculum intervention, including ward/clinic rotations, CD-ROM cases, and seminars.
• Primary outcomes included performance on auscultation skill and knowledge tests, with follow-up assessments for skill retention.

Main Results:

• Students exposed to a CD-ROM miniseries showed significant improvements in auscultation skills compared to controls.
• Additional curriculum elements enhanced auscultation knowledge but not skills.
• Skills were maintained at 9-12 months, though knowledge showed some decline.

Conclusions:

• Portable multimedia tools, like CD-ROMs, can effectively enhance cardiac auscultation skills in medical students.
• These tools supplement traditional teaching methods and contribute to maintaining diagnostic skills.
• The findings support integrating technology into medical training for physical examination proficiency.