Effectiveness of simulation-based transthoracic echocardiography training on Cardiac Sonography Students' Learning.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of simulation-based learning compared to traditional didactic teaching in Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) education for cardiac sonography students. Conducted at Mohawk College and McMaster University, the study involved two cohorts of first-year students: one receiving traditional instruction alone (control) and another supplemented with a hands-on simulation lab using the Intelligent Ultrasound Heartworks manikin and interactive 3D cardiac models. Results showed that the simulation cohort achieved significantly higher post-course knowledge assessment scores (88.23% vs. 72.12%), demonstrated more consistent knowledge acquisition, and reported increased confidence in correlating cardiac anatomy with 2D echocardiographic images. Clinical placement supervisors also rated simulation-trained students as slightly more confident and prepared. The findings support integrating structured simulation into cardiac sonography curricula to enhance anatomical understanding, skill development, and clinical readiness in TTE training.