EKG - SecondLook

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational self-assessment tool from the University of Michigan is designed for medical science learners. The app presents high-quality electrocardiogram (EKG) images and guides users through a structured review of cardiac pathologies, including arrhythmias, infarctions, and hypertrophies. It utilizes a question-and-answer format where responses can trigger follow-up questions, creating a review map that links diagnostic observations to core medical concepts. This structure facilitates a deeper understanding of EKG interpretation beyond simple memorization.

Development & Context

• The SecondLook app series was created by faculty at the University of Michigan to provide students with self-review resources amid reductions in classroom instruction time.
• Development evolved into a collaborative effort where senior medical, dental, and graduate students create new subject-specific apps with faculty oversight.
• The news coverage notes that the collective series of SecondLook apps has been downloaded over 49,000 times across 180 different countries.
• Within one surveyed course at the university, more than 95 percent of students reported "always" or "frequently" using the SecondLook review resources.

Intended Use & Scope

EKG - SecondLook is designed as a study aid for medical and health sciences students to reinforce their knowledge of electrocardiogram interpretation. Its scope is limited to educational self-assessment covering cardiac pathologies and diagnostic fundamentals. This tool is intended for academic support and is not a substitute for clinical training or a diagnostic instrument.