Enhancing our ability to diagnose cardiac valve disease by applying a graphical educational game

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare a newly designed graphical educational game (GEG) with a case-based learning (CBL) exercise and to enhance our ability to apply physiological knowledge of the cardiac cycle to diagnose cardiac valvular diseases among preclinical medical students. METHODS: In this interventional study, first-year undergraduate medical students were randomly assigned to a GEG group (n = 42) and a CBL group (n = 37). The GEG group involved shading cardiac cycle graphs and pressure–volume loops while the CBL group worked on two cases of cardiac valve diseases. A multiple-choice question (MCQ) test was then used to assess conceptual understanding of the cardiac cycle. After brief exposure to murmur auscultation on a simulator manikin, the groups were assessed in a simulator manikin test for their ability to diagnose cardiac valve disease. Median MCQ scores and mean scores in the simulator test were then compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The student's perspectives of the GEG and simulation session were acquired on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. RESULTS: The GEG group had significantly higher median MCQ scores (p < 0.001) and mean simulator test scores (p < 0.001) when compared to the CBL group. Moreover, 91% of students agreed that the GEG helped them to clarify concepts, and 88% agreed that the concepts and knowledge gained through the GEG helped them to diagnose valve disease in the manikins. CONCLUSION: The GEG was positively received by students and was more useful than the CBL in enhancing the application of cardiac physiology concepts and improving diagnostic ability in a simulated clinical setting.