Online interactive medical neuroimaging exercise to identify human brain structures.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Neuroimaging
• Anatomy

Background:

• Undergraduate medical education requires effective methods for teaching complex human brain anatomy and clinically relevant neuroimaging.
• Traditional methods using atlases and specimens are supplemented by a need for accessible, virtual learning tools.
• Familiarity with diagnostic radiology, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), is crucial for medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail a clinically oriented, interactive neuroimaging exercise for first-year medical students (MS1s).
• To assess the effectiveness of a "find-the-brain-structure" (FBS) event in enhancing students' ability to identify CNS structures and interpret neuroimages.
• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of conducting this exercise both in-person and virtually online.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented a "find-the-brain-structure" (FBS) interactive exercise for MS1s in small groups.
• The exercise focused on identifying clinically relevant brain structures, tracts, and spaces using neuroimages.
• Conducted the FBS event in-person and virtually online, with participation from non-clinical and clinical faculty, followed by pre- and post-event surveys.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases were observed in MS1s' confidence in reading MRI images (12% mean shift, p < 0.001).
• Students showed improved confidence in approaching physicians for training (9% shift, p < 0.01) and comfort in online collaboration (6% shift, p < 0.05).
• Qualitative feedback was highly positive, indicating a desirable educational approach for virtual learning.

Conclusions:

• The interactive FBS exercise effectively enhances medical students' neuroanatomy and neuroimaging interpretation skills.
• Virtual delivery of the FBS exercise is a feasible and well-received method for medical education.
• This approach improves student confidence and readiness for clinical training involving neuroimaging interpretation.