This study compared two ways of teaching medical students how to recognize lung conditions using ultrasound images.
All participants were third-year medical students taking part in a structured ultrasound training session at the University of Turin. Students were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group learned lung ultrasound pathology recognition with direct guidance from a tutor. The other group used a self-directed digital learning tool called MEDQUIZ, which allowed students to review clinical cases and ultrasound videos independently.
The main goal of the study was to determine whether self-directed learning was equivalent to tutor-guided instruction for recognizing pulmonary ultrasound findings. Students completed ultrasound image-based assessments before and after the training. The assessments evaluated their ability to recognize anatomical structures, distinguish normal from abnormal findings, and identify specific lung conditions such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, interstitial syndrome, and pneumothorax.
The study also evaluated student satisfaction with the learning experience.