• Josef Smolle, Gerhard Prause, and Freyja-Maria Smolle-Jüttner.
• Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Billrothgasse 18a/7, A-8010 Graz, Austria. josef.smolle@meduni-graz.at
• Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2007 Oct 1;32(4):644-7.

ObjectiveAppropriate emergency measures are essential in improving the outcome of patients with thoracic injuries. Pathophysiological background and basic principles of emergency treatment decisions should be already taught in undergraduate medical curricula. The effectiveness of a computer simulation model on thoracic trauma management was evaluated.MethodsForty-one students were enrolled in this pre-test/post-test self-controlled study. Learning experience was based on a complex computer simulation model demonstrating basic mechanisms of thoracic injuries and facilitating the interactive application of various emergency measures.ResultsPre-test multiple-choice results were 72.2% (66.9-77.5) correct answers, which increased significantly to 86.5% (82.6-90.4) in the post-test (p<0.001). The students spent 30 min (23-36) with the interactive learning object. Content analysis of open-ended feedback revealed a highly significant overall positive judgement (p<0.001), where the importance of 'trial and error' learning, the possibility of being able to 'view a process' and the simplicity of the model were particularly stressed.ConclusionsComputer simulation of chest trauma emergency treatment options is a safe and efficient learning approach in undergraduate medical education, which is highly appreciated by the students.

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