Self-Learning Videos in Focused Transthoracic Echocardiography Training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cardiology
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background:

• Focused transthoracic echocardiography (FOTE) is vital for bedside patient management.
• Limited practical FOTE training opportunities necessitate innovative educational approaches.
• Simulation and self-learning videos are explored to enhance FOTE skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating self-learning videos into a simulation-based FOTE training course.
• To assess the impact on internal medicine residents' FOTE knowledge and practical abilities.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized study of internal medicine residents.
• Participants received a 2-hour didactic and simulation FOTE training.
• Intervention group received additional self-directed learning videos; control group received written materials.

Main Results:

• All participants showed improved post-course scores, except the control group's written test.
• No significant differences between groups in written tests, image quality, or comfort.
• The intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in scanning time (38s vs. 72s).

Conclusions:

• FOTE simulation training enhances theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Low video utilization limited definitive conclusions on the impact of self-learning videos.
• Further investigation is required to ascertain the benefits of video-based learning in FOTE.