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Pilot Study Suggests Smartphone Application Knowledge Improves Resident Transesophageal Echocardiography Knowledge: A
Regina E Linganna1, Saumil J Patel2, Lourdes Al Ghofaily2
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hopstial of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
|February 10, 2020
Summary
A smartphone app using image-based questions improved anesthesiology residents' transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) knowledge more than standard teaching alone. This pilot study highlights the potential of asynchronous, web-based learning in medical education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Technology
- Cardiovascular Anesthesiology
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Background:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a critical skill for anesthesiology residents.
- Traditional intraoperative teaching methods for TEE may have limitations in knowledge acquisition.
- Mobile learning applications offer a potential avenue for enhancing medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone-based, image-based question application (EchoEducator) for improving TEE knowledge.
- To compare the educational impact of the application against standard intraoperative teaching alone.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Anesthesiology residents on cardiac rotation were randomized to either the EchoEducator app or standard teaching.
- Knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-intervention tests over a 2-week period.
Main Results:
- The intervention group using the EchoEducator app showed a statistically significant greater increase in TEE knowledge scores (+19.19%, p=0.02).
- The application-based learning approach demonstrated superior knowledge gain compared to the control group.
- 18 residents completed the study, with the intervention group showing improved post-test scores.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the use of asynchronous, smartphone-based educational applications for improving TEE knowledge in anesthesiology residents.
- This approach offers a promising supplement or alternative to traditional teaching modalities.
- Findings suggest expanding the role of web-based asynchronous learning in medical training.
