Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not training with a computerized stethoscope could impact Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student cardiopulmonary assessment knowledge and confidence. Methods: Eighty-seven (87) DPT students in years 2 (DPT2s, n=39) and 3 (DPT3s, n=48) participated after previously completing a cardiopulmonary course. All subjects took a baseline test and confidence survey for cardiopulmonary skills. Two weeks later, DPT2s attended a 1-hour lab session with simulation stethoscopes and did a post-test and survey. Test scores and confidence data were compared within DPT2s, and for DPT2s vs DPT3s. Results: After training, DPT2 test scores increased significantly (p=0.005, effect size r=0.32). DPT2s also reported significant increases in confidence, with moderate effect sizes, in the following areas: respiratory physical assessment (p=0.001, r=0.37); assessing PT effectiveness for respiratory disease (p = 0.002, r=0.35); cardiovascular physical assessment (p=0.006, r=0.31); and assessing PT effectiveness for cardiovascular disease (p=0.004, r=0.32). The item “assessing PT effectiveness for most disease states” improved but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.058). DPT2s and DPT3s scored similarly in the pre-test (p=0.511), but DPT2s post-test scores were significantly better than DPT3 pre-test scores (p=0.001, r=0.33). Baseline DPT2 and DPT3 confidence scores were not significantly different, but overall DPT2 confidence post scores were significantly higher than the DPT3 baseline. Conclusions: A one-hour lab session utilizing simulated stethoscopes resulted in increased cardiorespiratory assessment knowledge and confidence. Simulated stethoscopes may be a useful didactic supplement to a cardiorespiratory curriculum.
Acknowledgements
The authors extend their gratitude to Dr. Sherman, Dr. Riche and Dr. Stover at the University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy for access and permission to use their survey. We are also thankful to Dr. Lecat and his team at Lecat's Ventriloscope, LLC who loaned us simulated stethoscopes for this study.
DOI
10.46743/1540-580X/2023.2300
Recommended Citation
Vatwani A, Morris M, Hill CJ, Fernandez-Fernandez A. Does Training with a Simulation Stethoscope Facilitate the Acquisition of Cardiopulmonary Knowledge and Confidence in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Apr 06;21(2), Article 21.
