Neonatal performed echocardiography course: Can we face it?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neonatology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Neonatal Performed Echocardiography (NPEcho) is a crucial skill for neonatologists.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different teaching modalities is essential for optimizing medical training.
• Assessing student qualification requires standardized testing and practical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a six-month basic Neonatal Performed Echocardiography (NPEcho) course.
• To compare the qualification rates of students trained via face-to-face versus online theoretical classes.
• To analyze the impact of motivational profiles on learning outcomes in NPEcho training.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study comparing two groups of neonatologists/neonatal fellows (16 in 2019, 12 in 2020).
• Training included theoretical classes (face-to-face vs. online) and hands-on practice.
• Student qualification assessed by post-test, video test, and practical evaluation (≥70% threshold).
• Academic Motivation Scale was administered to both groups.

Main Results:

• Students in the face-to-face group (2019) showed significantly higher pre-test (40% vs. 32%), final theoretical (78% vs. 69%), and practical scores (88% vs. 65%) compared to the online group (2020).
• The qualification rate was substantially higher in the face-to-face group (68.8%) versus the online group (33.3%).
• No significant differences in motivational profiles were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Face-to-face theoretical instruction in NPEcho is effective in qualifying neonatologists.
• The online theoretical format for NPEcho training was inadequate for achieving desired learning outcomes.
• Future medical education programs should prioritize interactive and in-person learning for complex procedural skills.