Use of an acoustic stethoscope to hear, interpret, and communicate findings of lung and/or heart sounds is an important skill for medical professionals involved in cardiopulmonary care. 3– 8 There is also growing documentation of research-based evidence for medical simulation. Simulation has been cited as a strategy to improve safety (learner and patient), and to impact quality and accountability in medical practice. However, it also relates to greater appreciation for the value of this tool to facilitate experiential education.
1, 2 Acceptance may be based on the proliferation of high-fidelity manikin technology. Over the past 15 years, medical simulation has undergone rapid growth as an important technique to provide education as well as clinical evaluation. We review the application of these technologies and describe options for reproducing lung and heart sounds, as well as their advantages and potential limitations. Digital audio technology, the Internet, and high-fidelity simulators have increased opportunities for educators and learners. When simulating cardiovascular or pulmonary problems, high-quality lung and heart sounds should be able to accurately corroborate other findings such as vital signs, arterial blood gas values, or imaging. Recently, medical simulation has become an important tool for teaching prior to clinical practice, and for evaluating bedside auscultation skills. Learning lung and heart auscultation skills typically involves listening to pre-recorded normal and adventitious sounds, often followed by laboratory instruction to guide stethoscope placement, and finally correlating the sounds with the associated pathophysiology and pathology. Bedside assessment of changing auscultation findings may also guide treatment. Interpretation of lung and heart sounds, in the context of history and other examination findings, often aids the differential diagnosis. The ability to use an acoustic stethoscope to detect lung and/or heart sounds, and then to then communicate one's interpretation of those sounds is an essential skill for many medical professionals.
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