The Utility of Cardiac Ultrasound in Preclinical Medical School Curriculum

Objective: This study aims to explore the utility of cardiac ultrasound on medical students’ understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology. Methods: First-year medical students were enrolled and randomized into control and educational groups. Prior to and upon completion of their cardiac unit, both groups completed a 20-question test. The educational group received two sessions, consisting of lectures and hands-on scanning. The educational group obtained a parasternal long axis view of the heart and identified the left ventricle and completed a survey on their experience. Results: Fifty-four first-year medical students were enrolled, with 27 randomized to each group. On the pretest, the educational and control groups averaged 10.9 (SD 2.4) and 10.0 (SD 2.7) questions correct (p = 0.19), respectively. Scores on the post-test in the educational group improved to 17.4 (SD 1.6) as compared to 15.2 (SD 2.0) (p < 0.001) in the control. All students in the educational group were able to obtain a parasternal long axis view and identify the left ventricle. On the survey, all students described ultrasound as a valuable tool and recommended integration into their curriculum. Ninety-five percent felt that ultrasound improved their knowledge of cardiac anatomy, and 86 % agreed it increased their understanding of cardiac physiology. Conclusions: Introduction of ultrasound into medical school curriculum is effective. This educational intervention improved students’ understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology and was effective in improving their acquisition of basic cardiac ultrasound images. Furthermore, the students felt ultrasound to be an important skill for them to learn to improve their understanding of anatomy and physiology. © 2016, International Association of Medical Science Educators.