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Effectiveness of blended learning in radiological anatomy for first year undergraduate medical students

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of blended learning modules for radiological anatomy among first-year medical students by estimating knowledge gain and evaluating student perceptions.

Methods

A single-group, pre- and post-test study design was utilized. Five radiological anatomy modules consisting of online presentations and self-assessment quizzes were developed for the upper limb, lower limb, head and neck, thorax, and abdomen and pelvis. The content of the modules was uploaded on to a learning management system called TYRO. Each module focused on the normal anatomical features observed on plain and contrast radiographs. Other relevant imaging modalities and clinical contexts were also introduced. During the classroom session, the students were instructed to peruse the modules and answer the self-assessment quiz. The teacher in the classroom acted as a facilitator and was available to the students for any clarifications. A pre- and post-test was administered to the students before and after exposure to the modules, respectively. A paired t test was used to estimate differences in the pre- and post-test scores. Students’ perceptions were assessed using a questionnaire.

Results

One-hundred students attended both the tests. The mean and standard deviation of pre- and post-test scores were 17 ± 5.5 and 26 ± 7.6, respectively, and this difference was significant. Students’ perceptions about the intervention were on the whole positive.

Conclusion

A significant improvement in the knowledge of radiological anatomy was noted after exposure to five blended learning modules of radiological anatomy. The modules were well received by the students.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the students who were part of this study and the faculty members who were involved developing the e-learning content for the modules.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, St. John’s Medical College, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, 560034, Karnataka, India

    Chitra Nagaraj, Shyamala Bhadravathi Yadurappa, Lakshmi Trikkur Anantharaman, Yogitha Ravindranath & Nachiket Shankar

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  1. Chitra Nagaraj
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  2. Shyamala Bhadravathi Yadurappa
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  3. Lakshmi Trikkur Anantharaman
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Contributions

CN: Project development, Data collection, Data analysis. SBY: Project development, Data collection, Data analysis. LTA: Project development, Manuscript writing. YR: Project development, Manuscript writing. NS: Project development, Data analysis, Manuscript writing.

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Correspondence to Shyamala Bhadravathi Yadurappa.

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Nagaraj, C., Yadurappa, S.B., Anantharaman, L.T. et al. Effectiveness of blended learning in radiological anatomy for first year undergraduate medical students. Surg Radiol Anat 43, 489–496 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-020-02572-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-020-02572-x

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