Teaching medical students pediatric cardiovascular examination by telemedicine.

The aim of this feasibility study was to assess whether medical students can be taught the pediatric examination of the cardiovascular system (CVS) facilitated by telemedicine equipment. The views of the students regarding this new technology were sought in a subsequent questionnaire survey. Seventy-seven (n = 77) medical students attended eight telemedicine sessions that consisted of a lecture, case discussion, and physical examination of a child using an electronic stethoscope. The acceptance of this novel teaching method was generally good, but a minority of students (10%) preferred face-to-face encounters with the lecturer. Technical problems were common and may have influenced the outcome of the sessions. Teaching by telemedicine is a viable alternative to conventional teaching and should be applied when clinicians cannot meet the students in person.