Abstract 9733: Echocardiography Workshops Are an Effective Learning Tool for Pre-Clerkship Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Point of care ultrasound curriculum is being taught in undergraduate medical education (UME) with greater frequency and demonstrable benefit to students’ learning. While echocardiography (echo) curricula have been implemented in a small number of medical schools, there is limited data on the efficacy of the learning experience. Hypothesis: Echo workshops in UME are feasible and effective as a means of introducing medical students to basic echo skills. Methods: 24 pre-clerkship medical students volunteered to undergo 4-hour echo workshops. A variety of preparatory learning materials covering basic aspects of echo were provided to students one week prior to the workshop. A short quiz was administered to all students immediately before and after the workshop. Quiz questions were coded as cardiac anatomy (6 questions), basic echo imaging (8 questions), basic ultrasound and Doppler theory (2 questions), and advanced echo imaging techniques (3 questions). During the workshop, each student was provided at least 30 minutes of hands-on imaging while another student acted as the “patient.” Certified echosonographers and pediatric cardiologists served as the instructors during the workshop. Students completed a survey to characterize the quality of the learning experience. Students’ performance on the quiz pre- and post-workshop were compared using student’s t-test. Results: The mean overall pre- and post-workshop quiz scores were 6.8/19 and 11.4/19, respectively (p<0.00001). Mean pre- vs post-quiz scores for cardiac anatomy were 2.0 vs 3.8/6 (p=0.0001); for basic echo imaging were 3.5 vs 5.3/8 (p<0.001); for basic ultrasound and Doppler theory were 0.5 vs 1.5/2 (p<0.00001); and for advanced echo imaging were 0.7 vs 0.9/3 (p=0.5), respectively. All students characterized the quality of their learning experience through the workshop as a very effective use of their time. Conclusions: Echo workshops targeted to pre-clerkship medical students are feasible, and provide effective learning experiences in cardiac anatomy, basic echo imaging, and basic ultrasound and Doppler theory in the short-term, and are very well-received by students. Providing basic echo curriculum in the pre-clerkship years of medical school should be further explored.