Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a novel digital stethoscope curriculum integrated into respiratory auscultation training for medical students. It seeks to compare the auscultation proficiency gained through this innovative approach with that from traditional teaching methods, to understand the potential of digital stethoscopes in reinvigorating clinical skills training. Methods: In a single-center, controlled, longitudinal, randomized experimental design, 84 medical students undergoing clinical clerkship rotations at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving training with digital stethoscopes and the Eko auscultation software, or the control group, following a traditional curriculum. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured auscultation skills, and student feedback on teaching quality was collected. The primary outcome was the improvement in auscultation proficiency, while secondary outcomes included student engagement and feedback on the educational approach. Expected Results: The investigators hypothesize that the integration of digital stethoscopes into the curriculum will significantly improve the auscultation skills of medical students compared to traditional methods. Enhanced engagement and positive feedback from students are anticipated, underscoring the pedagogical value of incorporating digital health technologies in medical education.
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Pre-test and Post-test using the Zuvio Interactive Response System (Zuvio, Taipei, Taiwan)
Timeframe: At the beginning and end of the two-week Thoracic Surgery clinical rotation.
Student Feedback
Timeframe: End of the two-week Thoracic Surgery clinical rotation.