A short course in visual literacy can improve residents' observation and descriptive skills in cytopathology

Visual literacy is an essential skill in Anatomical Pathology. However, there appears to be a dearth of literature that engages explicitly with how to teach or learn visual skills with respect to Anatomical Pathology residents. Using a variety of modalities, with a focus on practical arts-based methodologies, three-two hour workshops were designed to explore the complexity of precise observation and structured description. This intervention was based on the hypothesis that cytopathology and analyzing an artwork share a language and set of formal processes. Evaluation of the workshops was both quantitative and qualitative. The former assessed pre- and post-workshop descriptions of cytology images and artworks while the latter was in the form of a focus group. An actual improvement in both cytopathology and artwork description was demonstrated while the focus group discussion revealed the majority of residents considered the workshops as having a positive impact on the observation and description skills required in Anatomical Pathology. Some felt the purpose and approach of these workshops was not made explicit enough. Thematic analysis of the focus group showed robust discussion regarding who should conduct these workshops and when they should be conducted in resident training. Unanticipated benefits of the workshops such as personal creativity and pleasure formed a significant theme that requires serious consideration. Introducing visual literacy workshops into residency training appears to be valuable and improved observation and description skills in cytopathology. The focus group discussion will be used to improve on this first set of workshops.