BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Recent research has shown doctors can use iPods to greatly improve their stethoscope skills and their ability to diagnose heart problems.

    Previous research has shown the average rate of correct heart sound identification by physicians is 40 percent.

    In a new study, 149 general internists listened 400 times to five common heart murmurs during a 90-minute session with iPods. After the session, the average score improved to 80 percent.

    Stethoscope proficiency -- and the ability to recognize abnormal heart sounds -- is a crucial skill for identifying dangerous heart conditions and minimizing dependence on expensive medical tests, said lead researcher Dr. Michael Barrett, clinical associate professor of medicine and cardiologist at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital.

    "It's important to know when to order a costly echocardiogram or stress test," Barrett said.

    Barrett believes the best way of learning to identify heart problems is through intensive drilling and repetition, not by traditional methods, usually a classroom lecture or demonstration in medical school and then on the job.

    "You don't build this proficiency by osmosis," Barrett said.

    He presented the findings Monday at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting.

    (Agencies)