Online Learning and Echocardiography Boot Camp: Innovative Learning Platforms Promoting Blended Learning and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Mastering pediatric echocardiography (PE) requires expertise in echo theory, congenital heart disease (CHD), and technical skills.
• Online self-directed learning is increasingly used by medical trainees to build competency in subspecialties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of online learning, lecture-based, and hands-on teaching on pediatric cardiology and critical care fellows' PE knowledge and confidence.
• To assess the effectiveness of a combined online and in-person educational approach.

Main Methods:

• 124 fellows (40 TCH, 84 national/international) participated from 2016-2019.
• Participants completed online modules on pediatric echo physics, Doppler, anatomy, and common defects.
• TCH fellows attended a 3-day Echo Boot Camp (BC) with hands-on workshops and lectures.
• Knowledge assessed via pre/post multiple-choice exams; confidence assessed via self-assessment.

Main Results:

• Online learning significantly improved exam scores (PRE 49.1% vs. POST 67.8%; p≤0.01).
• Echo Boot Camp further improved scores (PRE 48% vs. POST MODULE 68.6% vs. POST BC 75.7%; p≤0.01).
• All groups reported increased confidence in interpretation; BC participants showed increased procedural confidence.

Conclusions:

• Online learning effectively enhances pediatric echocardiography knowledge acquisition.
• An Echo Boot Camp complements online learning, further improving knowledge and interpretive skills.
• Combined online and in-person education are powerful tools for fellow training in pediatric echocardiography.