The relationship between immediate relevant basic science knowledge and clinical knowledge: physiology knowledge and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Physiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• The relationship between basic science and clinical knowledge is debated, with theories like the 'Two-world view' and 'encapsulated knowledge view'.
• Emerging research suggests a more intricate connection between foundational scientific principles and their clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between immediate basic science knowledge (physiology) and clinical expertise in echocardiography.
• To assess how this relationship evolves across different stages of medical training and practice.

Main Methods:

• A physiology knowledge test was administered to 28 third-year medical students and 45 physicians (interns, cardiology residents, cardiology consultants).
• Physicians also interpreted transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) images, completing a checklist for pathologies.
• Scores from the physiology test and TTE interpretation were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Cardiology consultants demonstrated higher physiology test scores than medical students and interns.
• A significant correlation between physiology knowledge and TTE interpretation was observed exclusively in cardiology residents.
• No correlation was found between physiology knowledge and TTE interpretation among consultants, suggesting experts may not actively apply basic science in routine practice.

Conclusions:

• Basic science knowledge, particularly physiology relevant to daily clinical tasks, develops with professional experience.
• While knowledge grows, its direct application in expert clinical decision-making, such as echocardiography interpretation, may not be overt.
• Foundational knowledge remains accessible for use when needed, even if not actively employed in routine expert tasks.