Assessment of training in cardiac auscultation using a simulator

Abstract

The use of simulators for skills training has become widespread. However, no quantitative analysis has been performed to determine whether simulation-based medical education is useful for improving the acquisition of clinical skills. The educational effect must be evaluated to further develop stimulation-based education. A seminar for cardiac auscultation was held, with the skills laboratory taking the initiative; the effectiveness was verified, and various problems were identified.
1)The skills laboratory held a series of training seminars to examine the effectiveness of simulation-based education.
2) Sixteen medical students participated in the seminars. One seminar lasted 120 minutes, including 60 minutes of lectures and 60 minutes of skills training. All students attended the three seminars. A questionnaire survey, a written examination, and a skills test were administered to all students three times (before, immediately after, and 5 months after the seminars).
3) The students were extremely satisfied with the seminars. The students believed their cardiac auscultation skills had improved and that this improvement was still present 5 months later. After the seminars, the heart sound simulators were used more frequently than before the seminar.
4) The results of skills testing after the seminars were better than those before the seminars and remained better 5 months later. However, results of a written examination 5 months after the seminars were similar to those before the seminars.
5) The seminars in the skills laboratory were effective for improving students' auscultation skills and increased the effective use of mannequins in the skills laboratory.