Recognizing cardiac murmurs in childhood: a survey of physicians' approaches and knowledge levels.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess physicians' approach to cardiac murmurs and their level of knowledge about this sign, which is a crucial finding in childhood cardiac anomalies. METHODS: The study intended to include all family physicians in the Adiyaman province of Turkey, but ultimately 150 out of 210 physicians participated and was completed with a percentage response rate of 71%. Participants were asked about their approach to cardiac murmurs, answered knowledge questions, and completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics. Subsequently, eight heart sounds were played, and participants were asked to identify the nature of each sound. RESULTS: Family medicine specialists (all scores were p < 0.001) and physicians who completed a pediatric internship lasting over a month (knowledge score p = 0.012, behavioral score p = 0.021, recording score p = 0.01) demonstrated significantly higher knowledge, approach, and recording scores. Age and years in the profession showed a negative correlation with recording scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the significant impact of various factors such as gender, specialization, internship duration, experience, and theoretical knowledge on the ability to recognize and approach cardiac murmurs. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating these factors into medical education and development programs, especially those aimed at improving cardiac examination skills.