Tool to improve qualitative assessment of left ventricular systolic function

Daniel P Walsh, Kadhiresan R Murugappan, Achikam Oren-Grinberg, Vanessa T Wong, John D Mitchell, Robina Matyal
2020 Echo Research and Practice  
Interactive online learning tools have revolutionized graduate medical education and can impart echocardiographic image interpretive skills. We created self-paced, interactive online training modules using a repository of echocardiography videos of normal and various degrees of abnormal left ventricles. In this study, we tested the feasibility of this learning tool. Thirteen anesthesia interns took a pre-test and then had three weeks to complete the training modules on their own time before
more » ... ng a post-test. The average score on the post-test (74.6% ± 11.08%) was higher than the average score on the pre-test (57.7% ± 9.27%) (p < 0.001). Scores did not differ between extreme function (severe dysfunction or hyperdynamic function) and non-extreme function (normal function or mild or moderate dysfunction) questions on both the pre-test (p = 0.278) and post-test (p = 0.093). The interns scored higher on the post-test than the pre-test on both extreme (p = 0.0062) and non-extreme (p = 0.0083) questions. After using an online educational tool that allowed learning on their own time and pace, trainees improved their ability to correctly categorize left ventricular systolic function. Left ventricular systolic function is often a key echocardiographic question that can be difficult to master. The promising performance of this educational resource may lead to more time-efficient, cost-effective methods for improving diagnostic accuracy among learners.
doi:10.1530/erp-19-0053 pmid:32190341 pmcid:PMC7077518 fatcat:sywypwcxm5cgjk6dbcnzzr6dwe