Abstract
Purpose: Ultrasonography is a critical tool for clinical investigation. For newcomers learning ultrasound technology, an anatomical understanding of each organ being imaged is crucial. However, few resources have been available for learning anatomy as it relates to ultrasonography. Therefore, we devised and developed a new heart model and dissection procedure for learning about echocardiography and examined their educational effectiveness. Subjects and Methods: We divided 79 3rd-year health science students into three groups: a group with conventional echocardiography training only (2 days, total 9 hours); a group that performed the new heart dissection procedure prior to training; and a group to which the new heart model was introduced during training. The educational effectiveness of the heart model and dissection procedure was evaluated by descriptive examinations and a questionnaire before and after training. Conclusion: The heart model and dissection practice were each useful in enhancing educational effectiveness and improving awareness regarding echocardiography.
