School of Medicine and Health Sciences Poster Presentations
Design of an Online Histopathology Atlas in the New Medical Curriculum
Poster Number
221
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
3-2016
Abstract
Background
The purpose of this project is to help develop a comprehensive histology and pathology online database that would aid students throughout their pre-clinical years. With the modern systems-based approach that GW’s own medical school adopted, it becomes a necessity that students learn and integrate both normal and disease processes throughout the various organ blocks. Students need a resource they can utilize as a reference to learn these two disciplines, since the curriculum has a heavy component of self-teaching. The Microanatomy and Pathology Atlas (MAPA) helps to address this need as it contains specifically labeled histology and pathology image sets that are cross referenced with the traditional laboratory instructions and objectives from the two courses. These clearly labeled images are made interactive, which allows students to self-test for better assessment and understanding. Future plans to add clinical vignettes will help students consolidate problem solving skills and relevant multidisciplinary information
Methods
First and second year medical students were sent online surveys that asked a variety of “yes” and “no” questions about the atlas – ease of use, accessibility, and correlation with course material, both in lecture and lab. Students could also submit their own comments as they used the atlas.
Results
Preliminary results have shown that 92% of students are in favor of using the tool and 62% strongly favor further use. Current data collected in the fall of 2015 shows that the atlas has a positive correlation with the material in classes, both in terms of comprehension and proficiency. 88% of students have stated that the tool has complemented their studies, while another 66% would strongly recommend it to other peers. The data suggests that 50% of students strongly found the level of information appropriate for coursework. Students have already commented on the ease of using the atlas and its utility for self-quizzing in learning microanatomical structure.
Conclusions
The project is still ongoing with data collection. Preliminary results have been very promising in terms of student feedback and growth for further improvement. The atlas will continue to be updated, based on this input. Other organs systems and vignettes will be incorporated. Current results indicate students identify MAPA as a valuable tool for improving comprehension of histology and pathology. We hope that it will become a central resource that students in upcoming classes can use.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Open Access
1
Design of an Online Histopathology Atlas in the New Medical Curriculum
Background
The purpose of this project is to help develop a comprehensive histology and pathology online database that would aid students throughout their pre-clinical years. With the modern systems-based approach that GW’s own medical school adopted, it becomes a necessity that students learn and integrate both normal and disease processes throughout the various organ blocks. Students need a resource they can utilize as a reference to learn these two disciplines, since the curriculum has a heavy component of self-teaching. The Microanatomy and Pathology Atlas (MAPA) helps to address this need as it contains specifically labeled histology and pathology image sets that are cross referenced with the traditional laboratory instructions and objectives from the two courses. These clearly labeled images are made interactive, which allows students to self-test for better assessment and understanding. Future plans to add clinical vignettes will help students consolidate problem solving skills and relevant multidisciplinary information
Methods
First and second year medical students were sent online surveys that asked a variety of “yes” and “no” questions about the atlas – ease of use, accessibility, and correlation with course material, both in lecture and lab. Students could also submit their own comments as they used the atlas.
Results
Preliminary results have shown that 92% of students are in favor of using the tool and 62% strongly favor further use. Current data collected in the fall of 2015 shows that the atlas has a positive correlation with the material in classes, both in terms of comprehension and proficiency. 88% of students have stated that the tool has complemented their studies, while another 66% would strongly recommend it to other peers. The data suggests that 50% of students strongly found the level of information appropriate for coursework. Students have already commented on the ease of using the atlas and its utility for self-quizzing in learning microanatomical structure.
Conclusions
The project is still ongoing with data collection. Preliminary results have been very promising in terms of student feedback and growth for further improvement. The atlas will continue to be updated, based on this input. Other organs systems and vignettes will be incorporated. Current results indicate students identify MAPA as a valuable tool for improving comprehension of histology and pathology. We hope that it will become a central resource that students in upcoming classes can use.
Comments
Presented at: GW Research Days 2016