Comparison of learning outcomes for teaching focused cardiac ultrasound to physicians: A supervised human model course versus an eLearning guided self-directed simulator course

Abstract

PURPOSE: Focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) training in critical care is restricted by availability of instructors. Supervised training may be substituted by self-directed learning with an ultrasound simulator guided by automated electronic learning, enabling scalability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively compared learning outcomes in novice critical care physicians after completion of a supervised one-and-a-half-day workshop model with a self-guided course utilizing a simulator over four weeks. Both groups had identical pre-workshop on-line learning (20h). Image quality scores were compared using FCU performed on humans without pathology. Interpretive knowledge was compared using 20MCQ ..