title: A Pilot Study for Evaluation of Digital Systems as an Adjunct to Sphygmomanometry for Undergraduate Teaching.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Blood pressure estimation is a key skill for medical practitioners. It is routinely taught to undergraduate medical students using an aneroid sphygmomanometer. However, the conceptual understanding in the practical remains limited. We conducted the following study to evaluate the efficacy of digital data acquisition systems as an adjunct to the sphygmomanometer to teach blood pressure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-seven first-year medical students participated in the study. An MCQ test of 15 questions, consisting of 10 conceptual and five factual questions, was administered twice - pre- and post-demonstration of blood pressure measurement using a digital data acquisition system. In addition, qualitative feedback was also obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median scores were 7 (6 - 8) and 3 (1.5 - 4) in pre-test sessions for conceptual and factual questions, respectively. Post-test scores showed a significant improvement in both categories (10 (9 - 10) and 4 (4 - 4.5), respectively, Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.0001). Student feedback also indicated that the digital system enhanced learning and student participation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Student feedback regarding the demonstrations was uniformly positive, which was also reflected in significantly improved post-test scores. We conclude that parallel demonstration on digital systems and the sphygmomanometer will enhance student engagement and understanding of blood pressure measurement.
authors.affiliation: Physiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital.
authors.forename: Shival
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivastav
authors.affiliation: Physiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital.
authors.forename: Renuka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Physiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital.
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kapoor
keywords: blood pressure; small group learning; sphygmomanometer