Use of feedback on medium-term blood pressure measurement skills in medical students: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of feedback on medium-term blood pressure (BP) measurement skills in medical students versus a control group.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial in first-year medical students was conducted. After theoretical-practical training on measuring BP, the students were randomized into a control group or intervention group. The skill was assessed immediately after the training (T1) by evaluating students with a simulated standardized patient using a checklist. Students in the intervention group received feedback immediately after assessment, whereas the control group received no feedback. After 3 months (T2), each student was reassessed in the same way as for (T1).

Results: Ninety-two first-year medical students took part in the study (45 in control group and 47 in intervention group). At T1, there were no differences in the skill measured. At T2 (after three months), there was a significant difference in the intervention group (score = 23.97 ± 3.82) compared with the control group (score = 20.91 ± 4.87), P < 0.001, d = 0.69. In the intervention group, the scores were maintained at 3 months (T1 = 23.23 and T2 = 23.97, P = 0.335), whereas in the control group, scores declined significantly (T1 = 23.44 and T2 = 20.91; P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Receiving feedback promotes retention of learning of BP measurement skills over the medium term. Further studies applying feedback to other skills should be conducted.