Acoustic Labyrinth: Validation of a game - based heart auscultation educational tool

Abstract

The aim of the study was to validate a prototype of a game-based educational tool for improving auscultation skills. The tool was presented to 12 medical school students studying at a foundation university. The data collection tools of the study were: Cardiac sound identification form, educational tool evaluation form and auscultation survey form. Key findings of the study were: 1 - Each medical student increased their identification skills and retention was possible. 2 - The most incorrectly identified heart sound was the most correctly identified heart sound after using the tool. 3 - Medical students sided with the tool for it is flexible, quicker method of learning and getting feedback, can be used anytime, anywhere without interruption of daily life. 4 - Since students felt skillful and epic, in real-World tackling problems, on the mission; saving lives, and competitive, they repeated the content otherwise they would not. 5 - The tool created a hype and motivation for further learning. 6 - Tool was effective on the users with possible restricted acoustic capability which could imply findings might also be used for improving listening skills and musical ear.

Keywords: Stethoscope skills, heart auscultation training, mobile learning, game-based learning, retention.