Efficacy of a Point-of-Care Transthoracic Echocardiography Workshop for Medical Students

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of a 5-week point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography workshop for medical students. Prospective, time-series design. A single institution, including students at one US medical school. The study comprised eight second- and third-year medical students. Subjects enrolled in a voluntary educational workshop designed to teach basic point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography. The primary outcome was change on the total examination score (0-100) that assessed hands-on performance of four basic transthoracic echocardiography views, identification of relevant anatomy, and echocardiography knowledge. Secondary outcomes were scores on the practical (0-40) and written (0-60) subsections of the examination. Mean and standard deviation (±SD) total examination scores increased to 83.6 (±5.2) after the workshop versus 54 (±7.1) at baseline (p < 0.0001). Mean (±SD) practical examination scores increased to 38 (±2.5) after the workshop versus 22 (±4.6) at baseline (p < 0.0001). Mean (±SD) written examination scores increased to 46 (±4.8) after the workshop versus 32 (±5.8) at baseline (p = 0.0003). Results of this pilot study indicated that the workshop curriculum may be an effective way to teach basic point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography to medical students.