• Charlene Khoo, Sagar Sharma, Ryan Ashraf Jefree, Davidson Chee, Zheng Ning Koh, Eunice Xin Yi Lee, Ne-Hooi Will Loh, Balakrishnan Ashokka, and Suresh Paranjothy.
• Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
• J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. 2024 Nov 1.

ObjectiveTo assess the learning efficacy of self-directed virtual reality ultrasound simulators as an alternative to traditional physician-led teaching for cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training.DesignSingle blinded (observer), noninferiority, parallel group, randomized controlled study.SettingTertiary university hospital in Singapore.ParticipantsForty-three medical students with no prior formal ultrasound training.InterventionsParticipants first completed an e-learning module on basic ultrasonography. Participants' baseline knowledge was subsequently assessed using a multiple-choice question (MCQ) test. Participants were then randomized to either physician-led (PL) teaching or independent learning with a virtual-reality (VR) simulator to learn the 4 cardiac POCUS views. A post-training MCQ test and a practical skills test scored by 2 blinded assessors were conducted. Students repeated the MCQ test and skills test 1 month later.Measurements And Main ResultsThe VR group had higher baseline MCQ scores compared to the PL group (mean, 13.4 v 10.7). Immediately post-training, the PL group had a greater improvement in mean MCQ scores (from baseline) and higher total practical scores compared to the VR group (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). At 1 month post-training, the PL group similarly had a greater mean change from baseline MCQ scores, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). For practical scores, the VR group scored higher than the PL group, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that at 1 month post-training, self-directed VR training was noninferior to PL training. Although differences observed were not significant, there were trends to suggest enhanced retention of knowledge and skills with VR learning.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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