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ARTICLE:
Peter R. A. Gaskin, Susan E. Owens, Norman S. Talner, Stephen P. Sanders, and Jennifer S. Li
Clinical Auscultation Skills in Pediatric Residents
Pediatrics 2000; 105: 1184-1187 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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eLetters published:

[Read eLetters] Auscultation of a mannikin
Michael P Metz   (20 June 2000)
[Read eLetters] Re: Auscultation of a mannikin
M Garcia   (27 June 2000)

Auscultation of a mannikin 20 June 2000
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Michael P Metz,
pediatrician/ registrar, chemical pathology
Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia

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Re: Auscultation of a mannikin

metzm{at}wch.sa.gov.au Michael P Metz

I think that it is telling that when the study of pediatric trainees' skills is undertaken, the skills are tested on a mannikin. While listening to the precordium of a mannikin may be better than nothing,it is certainly not an adequate method for testing pediatric trainees'examining skills in children. These data are dreadfully flawed and should not be used to offer any opinion other than suggesting that pediatric trainee's cannot recognise curious sounds coming from a dummy. Perhaps the trainee's could be tested by genuine patients with genuine physical findings. Valid opinions regarding alterations in training might then be offered.

Re: Auscultation of a mannikin 27 June 2000
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M Garcia,
Public Health/PrevMed Pediatrician
VCU

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Re: Re: Auscultation of a mannikin

mvgg{at}medscape.com M Garcia

Some time ago, the Objective-Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was specifically set to not only test but more importantly train junior as well as senior physicians in-training in the clinical aspects of pediatrics and medicine in general. It included history-taking, focused physical exam and evaluation of EKG, x-rays and laboratory reports from live patients (with a proven and established diagnosis) from the clinical practice of associated staff physicians (usually subspecialists) and who were asked to participate (incentives included) in this two day activity. I wonder if the practice has been abandoned for the use of new technologies (specifically the mannikin).