Combination of App-Based Ultrasound Simulation and Conventional Learning Methods in Medical Education for Fetal Echocardiography

This study examines whether combining conventional textbook materials with the app-based ultrasound simulator Scanbooster enhances learning outcomes in fetal echocardiography, compared to using either method alone. It also evaluates the impact of the learning sequence.210 medical students were randomized into two groups: · PDF → App group (n=103): Textbook study followed by the Scanbooster ultrasound simulator app. · App → PDF group (n=107): Scanbooster ultrasound simulator app followed by textbook study. Knowledge was assessed before and after by identifying marked structures in ultrasound videos.There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age (p=0.564) and prior ultrasound experience (p=0.746). Both groups showed a significant improvement in identifying sonographic structures after the learning phase (p<0.001), with a mean learning effect of 104.96% and 102.16%, respectively, for fetal echocardiography-specific knowledge. The order of learning materials had no significant effect on learning success (p>0.05). In comparison with our previous study, we found that the combination of app-based simulation and textbooks led to the best learning outcomes in fetal echocardiography. This approach resulted in significantly higher performance compared to pure PDF learning (p<0.001) and was slightly, yet still significantly better than pure simulation (p=0.031).The combination of conventional textbook materials and app-based ultrasound simulation is the most effective approach for teaching fetal echocardiography. The learning sequence does not significantly impact the outcome.