Learning Head and Neck Anatomy Through a Radiological Imaging Platform.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy
• Radiology

Background:

• Head and neck anatomy presents learning challenges for students and educators.
• Radiological imaging and computer-aided instruction offer accessible solutions for anatomy education.
• Traditional face-to-face teaching methods can present barriers to learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a self-guided PowerPoint tutorial for head and neck anatomy instruction.
• To assess the impact of computer-aided instruction on medical students' anatomy knowledge.
• To gather student feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the tutorial.

Main Methods:

• A self-guided PowerPoint tutorial was developed incorporating medical imaging, clinical correlations, and review questions.
• 178 preclinical medical students were divided into experimental and control groups for knowledge assessment.
• The experimental group completed assessments before and after the tutorial; the control group completed a pre-assessment.

Main Results:

• Tutorial engagement led to a significant improvement in head and neck anatomy knowledge (p < .001).
• Knowledge gains were consistent across various question types (multiple-choice, identification, short-answer; p < .05).
• 96% of participants reported positive feedback regarding their experience with the tutorial.

Conclusions:

• The tutorial is an effective supplement to existing anatomy curricula, enhancing student learning outcomes.
• Student feedback indicates high perceived value and potential for adoption within medical education.
• Further research is recommended to explore the tutorial's efficacy as a standalone curriculum component.