Use of Commercially Produced Medical Education Videos in a Cardiovascular Curriculum: Multiple Cohort Study

Using PowerPoint and H5P to Create Interactive Animated Instructional Videos

BACKGROUND

The advantages of animated videos in education are widely recognised, yet their use by educators is restricted by the technical skills and resources needed for their production.

APPROACH

We have used the built-in animation and voice-over narration features of Microsoft PowerPoint to create full-fledged animated videos for students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program. H5P was used to add interactive self-assessment questions to the videos. Three interactive animated videos on oral epithelium and biofilms were posted in the learning management system (LMS) for the first and second year DDS students.

EVALUATION

A descriptive study was conducted to demonstrate student interactions and perceptions of interactive animated videos. First and second-year DDS students were automatically enrolled in the study. Student engagement data, in the form of the number of interactions with the interactive animated videos, were collected from the LMS. They were also invited to participate in a voluntary survey. Although the interactive animated videos were posted as supplementary learning content, most students accessed the videos. Ninety-four percent of the survey respondents indicated that the videos helped clarify concepts and made learning enjoyable. They also positively valued the interactive self-assessment questions incorporated into the videos.

IMPLICATIONS

PowerPoint can be a simple yet effective way to create animated videos. Although this study has a small number of participants, the findings highlight the potential of interactive animated videos as an effective teaching tool to enhance student engagement and learning experiences.

Utilizing Whiteboard Animated Videos in Biomedical Sciences: A Comparative Study Between Two Dental Schools

OBJECTIVES

Health profession institutions increasingly invest in digital resources to enhance student learning, yet limited research on their usage leaves them without evidence-based implementation guidance. This retrospective study evaluated dental students' use of whiteboard animated videos as supplementary resources in biomedical sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry ("Dugoni") and Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine ("WUCDM").

METHODS

Video usage data from Dugoni's class of 2023 (n = 137) and WUCDM's class of 2024 (n = 67) was analyzed over three academic years to identify patterns, including class-level frequency of "video watches," videos with the highest unique viewers, and those with the highest total watch counts. ANOVA tests assessed differences in average "video watches" per student across years at each institution.

RESULTS

Videos were frequently accessed during the first year but declined as students entered clinical training. At Dugoni, "video watches" decreased from 6489 in Year 1 to 640 in Year 2 and 1710 in Year 3. At WUCDM, "video watches" fell from 1021 in Year 1 to 328 in Year 2 and 210 in Year 3. ANOVA tests showed significant differences in average "video watches" per student between the first and subsequent years at Dugoni, while none were observed at WUCDM. Dugoni's more sustained usage likely reflected faculty integration into coursework.

CONCLUSIONS

The videos are most valuable in preclinical training, and faculty engagement is essential for optimizing their impact. These findings provide insights for institutions considering investments in digital learning resources.

Electronic Flashcards in Health Professions Education: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Electronic flashcards (EFs) are a widely used learning resource in medical education. This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing empirical research on EFs and a direction for future research on EF interventions. The authors organized the reviewed articles into 4 nonmutually exclusive categories: development, delivery, utilization, and associated outcomes.

METHOD

In this scoping review, search queries were composed for 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, Education Resource Information Center, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). The database search was conducted on April 12, 2024, for articles published before this date using the following keywords (as well as other keywords): anki, quizlet, firecracker, osmosis, flashcard , spaced repetition , spaced interval training , spaced interval learning , spaced test , and parallel curriculum. Two reviewers screened the studies for eligibility and performed data extraction between August 12, 2024, and September 26, 2024.

RESULTS

Sixty-four studies were included in the review. Most articles were published in the last 6 years (2019-2024) (49 [77%]), in the United States (45 [7%]), and in the context of undergraduate medical education (42 [66%]). The studies predominantly focused on the utilization (51 [78%]) and associated outcomes (38 [59%]) of EFs. In contrast, EF development (12 [19%]) and delivery methods (16 [25%]) were less frequently examined.

CONCLUSIONS

This review of the rapidly increasing body of research on EFs suggests broad use and satisfaction among health professions learners; however, much work remains to be done to systematically understand EF development and delivery. Future research directions may consider more systematic investigations of how decisions made during the development and delivery of EFs affect downstream use and learning outcomes. Addressing these gaps will deepen the understanding of how EFs affect medical education pedagogy and facilitate their informed integration and refinement within curricula.

Integration of an Audiovisual Learning Resource in a Podiatric Medical Infectious Disease Course: Multiple Cohort Pilot Study

Background

Improved long-term learning retention leads to higher exam scores and overall course grades, which is crucial for success in preclinical coursework in any podiatric medicine curriculum. Audiovisual mnemonics, in conjunction with text-based materials and an interactive user interface, have been shown to increase memory retention and higher order thinking.

Objective

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating web-based multimedia learning resources for improving student engagement and increasing learning retention.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 2 cohorts totaling 158 second-year podiatric medical students. The treatment group had access to Picmonic's audiovisual resources, while the control group followed traditional instruction methods. Exam scores, final course grades, and user interactions with Picmonic were analyzed. Logistic regression and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between Picmonic access, performance outcomes, and student engagement.

Results

The treatment group (n=91) had significantly higher average exam scores (P<.001) and final course grades (P<.001) than the control group (n=67). Effect size for the average final grades (d=0.96) indicated the practical significance of these differences. Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between Picmonic access with an odds ratio of 2.72 with a 95% confidence interval, indicating that it is positively associated with the likelihood of achieving high final grades. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship (r=0.25, P=.02) between the number of in-video questions answered and students' final grades. Survey responses reflected increased student engagement, comprehension, and higher user satisfaction (3.71 out of 5 average rating) with the multimedia-based resources compared to traditional instructional resources.

Conclusions

This pilot study underscores the positive impact of animation-supported web-based instruction on preclinical medical education. The treatment group, equipped with Picmonic, exhibited improved learning outcomes, enhanced engagement, and high satisfaction. These results contribute to the discourse on innovative educational methods and highlight the potential of multimedia-based learning resources to enrich medical curricula. Despite certain limitations, this research suggests that animation-supported audiovisual instruction offers a valuable avenue for enhancing student learning experiences in medical education.

Unlocking Medical Student Success: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Third-Party Resources Used for Medical Education and USMLE Board Preparation

An increase in third-party commercial resources targeted towards medical students has led to substantial changes in the way students prepare for medical assessments. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify the third-party resources most used by medical students. A total of 1056 citations were screened with 19 full-text studies included. Twenty-two unique third-party resources were examined, with meta-analysis revealing the three most used resources to be First Aid, UWorld, and Pathoma. Medical faculty should consider curriculum adaptation to better cater to the learning needs of students and institute systems that ensure equitable access to verified commercial resources.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02116-7.

Whiteboard animation: A potential teaching tool for health science education

Background

Combining visual thinking and storytelling makes whiteboard animation an effective educational tool. However, the impact of whiteboard animation is understudied in health science education. This literature review explored the use and impact of whiteboard animation on teaching in health science education.

Method

A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted in 5 databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Education Research Complete to identify full-text research articles published in English between 2013 and 2024. Articles were screened to match inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the eligible studies.

Results

After 2 rounds of screening, 6 articles were included in the review, all focussing on evaluating the impact of whiteboard animations in dental, medical, and other health science education. All studies reported positive impacts on student satisfaction and knowledge acquisition. A correlation between the number of video views and students' longitudinal exam performance was also reported.

Discussion and Conclusion

The concise and engaging animations explaining concepts in a storytelling manner offer an alternative mode of presenting teaching material, reducing extrinsic cognitive loads on the learners. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of this powerful tool on health science education.

Medical students' perceptions of an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted diagnosing program

As artificial intelligence (AI) assisted diagnosing systems become accessible and user-friendly, evaluating how first-year medical students perceive such systems holds substantial importance in medical education. This study aimed to assess medical students' perceptions of an AI-assisted diagnostic tool known as 'Glass AI.' Data was collected from first year medical students enrolled in a 1.5-week Cell Physiology pre-clerkship unit. Students voluntarily participated in an activity that involved implementation of Glass AI to solve a clinical case. A questionnaire was designed using 3 domains: 1) immediate experience with Glass AI, 2) potential for Glass AI utilization in medical education, and 3) student deliberations of AI-assisted diagnostic systems for future healthcare environments. 73/202 (36.10%) of students completed the survey. 96% of the participants noted that Glass AI increased confidence in the diagnosis, 43% thought Glass AI lacked sufficient explanation, and 68% expressed risk concerns for the physician workforce. Students expressed future positive outlooks involving AI-assisted diagnosing systems in healthcare, provided strict regulations, are set to protect patient privacy and safety, address legal liability, remove system biases, and improve quality of patient care. In conclusion, first year medical students are aware that AI will play a role in their careers as students and future physicians.

Study of the impact of introducing a multimedia learning tool in podiatric medical courses

BACKGROUND

Medical students face the challenge of learning vast amounts of complex information. Existing research suggests improved learning outcomes using multimedia resources but reports on their impact on podiatric education are scarce. To explore the potential of multimedia-based learning tools in enriching medical education, this study examined the impact of Osmosis, a platform featuring interactive videos, flashcards, and self-assessment quizzes on podiatric medical student outcomes.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Osmosis, a multimedia learning platform with videos, flashcards, and quizzes, on podiatric medical students' learning outcomes. Two cohorts (T = Osmosis access, N = 86; C = no access, N = 87) took Pharmacology and Podiatric Medicine courses consecutively. Final exam scores, final course grades, platform usage metrics (median weekly videos watched, flashcards, and quizzes), and student experience surveys were analyzed.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in final exam scores between the groups in Pharmacology and Podiatric Medicine. While the treatment group exhibited a slight upward trend, further research is required for conclusive evidence. Student perceptions of Osmosis were overwhelmingly positive, with 90.2% of students agreeing that it facilitated concept learning and understanding compared to 54.9% for the textbook. Similarly, 80.4% of the treatment group felt that Osmosis enhanced their test performance, exceeding the 54.9% recorded for the textbook. Correlation analysis indicates a plausible connection between platform usage and academic success, as reflected by moderate positive correlations (r = [0.14, 0.28]) with final grades. Logistic regression analysis revealed that students with Osmosis access were 2.88 times more likely to score 90% or higher on the Pharmacology final exam (p < 0.05) and exhibited increased odds of achieving high (90%+) final course grades in Podiatric Medicine (OR = 2.71).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Osmosis holds promise as a tool to support podiatric medical student learning. While the lack of statistically significant differences in final exam scores warrants further investigation, the positive student perceptions, high engagement rates, and increased odds of high scores in specific areas indicate the potential for Osmosis to positively impact academic outcomes. Therefore, a multimedia-based resource like Osmosis appears to show promise as a tool to support podiatric medical education. The limitations inherent in the quasi-experimental design necessitate further studies to confirm its effectiveness and long-term impact on podiatric medical education.

Objective Comparison of the First-Person-View Live Streaming Method Versus Face-to-Face Teaching Method in Improving Wound Suturing Skills for Skin Closure in Surgical Clerkship Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

The use of digital online teaching media in improving the surgical skills of medical students is indispensable, yet it is still not widely explored objectively. The first-person-view online teaching method may be more effective as it provides more realism to surgical clerkship students in achieving basic surgical skills.

Objective

This study aims to objectively assess the effectiveness of the first-person-view live streaming (LS) method using a GoPro camera compared to the standard face-to-face (FTF) teaching method in improving simple wound suturing skills in surgical clerkship students.

Methods

A prospective, parallel, nonblinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial was performed. Between January and April 2023, clerkship students of the Department of Surgery, Pelita Harapan University, were randomly selected and recruited into either the LS or FTF teaching method for simple interrupted suturing skills. All the participants were assessed objectively before and 1 week after training, using the direct observational procedural skills (DOPS) method. DOPS results and poststudy questionnaires were analyzed.

Results

A total of 74 students were included in this study, with 37 (50%) participants in each group. Paired analysis of each participant's pre-experiment and postexperiment DOPS scores revealed that the LS method's outcome is comparable to the FTF method's outcome (LS: mean 27.5, SD 20.6 vs FTF: mean 24.4, SD 16.7; P=.48) in improving the students' surgical skills.

Conclusions

First-person-view LS training sessions could enhance students' ability to master simple procedural skills such as simple wound suturing and has comparable results to the current FTF teaching method. Teaching a practical skill using the LS method also gives more confidence for the participants to perform the procedure independently. Other advantages of the LS method, such as the ability to study from outside the sterile environment, are also promising. We recommend improvements in the audiovisual quality of the camera and a stable internet connection before performing the LS teaching method.

Short animated video increases knowledge and perceived comfort in clinical counseling on inequitable health impacts of air pollution among interprofessional health learners and clinicians

BACKGROUND

Air pollution is a major health risk contributing to global morbidity and mortality, yet clinicians do not routinely engage in counseling patients on this topic. Clinicians cite their lack of education as a common barrier. We developed a two-minute animated video on mitigating air pollution health risks and evaluated the efficacy of this video as an educational tool.

METHODS

In March-June 2021, a convenience sample of Minnesota interprofessional health learners and clinicians viewed the video and completed an electronic survey that assessed pre-/post-video intervention changes in (a) didactic and clinically applied knowledge on health impacts of air pollution, (b) perceived comfort in identifying at-risk patients and counseling them on relevant preventive health behaviors, (c) intentions/barriers to counseling patients, (d) beliefs and attitudes related to the health harms of air pollution, and (e) perceptions of the overall acceptability of the intervention.

RESULTS

The 218 participants included learners and clinicians in medicine, nursing, and advanced practice provision. Respondents' knowledge scores and self-reported level of comfort in identifying high-risk patients and counseling them on preventative health behaviors increased significantly pre-/post-intervention. The video also effectively altered participants' misperceptions about the health impacts of air pollution. While less than half of participants (43.6%) reported they intended to engage in counseling patients as a result of watching the video, 52.3% indicated they might do so. Lack of time during clinical encounters and lack of training were reported as persistent barriers to engaging in this counseling. Overall, participants found the video to be an effective educational tool, indicating that they wanted their colleagues and patients to watch the video and would like to see further short, animated videos on other environmental health topics.

CONCLUSIONS

A two-minute animated educational video significantly improved knowledge of inequitable health impacts of air pollution and improved perceived comfort in identifying and counseling at-risk patients among health professional learners and clinicians regardless of profession, level of training, or pre-intervention knowledge level. Academic health professional training programs and health systems should consider adopting this modality as a tool for educating learners, clinicians, and patients on environmental health risks.

Empowering Health Care Education Through Learning Analytics: In-depth Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Digital education has expanded since the COVID-19 pandemic began. A substantial amount of recent data on how students learn has become available for learning analytics (LA). LA denotes the "measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of data about learners and their contexts, for purposes of understanding and optimizing learning and the environments in which it occurs."

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to examine the use of LA in health care professions education and propose a framework for the LA life cycle.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search of 10 databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, ERIC, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ICTP, Scopus, and IEEE Explore. In total, 6 reviewers worked in pairs and performed title, abstract, and full-text screening. We resolved disagreements on study selection by consensus and discussion with other reviewers. We included papers if they met the following criteria: papers on health care professions education, papers on digital education, and papers that collected LA data from any type of digital education platform.

RESULTS

We retrieved 1238 papers, of which 65 met the inclusion criteria. From those papers, we extracted some typical characteristics of the LA process and proposed a framework for the LA life cycle, including digital education content creation, data collection, data analytics, and the purposes of LA. Assignment materials were the most popular type of digital education content (47/65, 72%), whereas the most commonly collected data types were the number of connections to the learning materials (53/65, 82%). Descriptive statistics was mostly used in data analytics in 89% (58/65) of studies. Finally, among the purposes for LA, understanding learners' interactions with the digital education platform was cited most often in 86% (56/65) of papers and understanding the relationship between interactions and student performance was cited in 63% (41/65) of papers. Far less common were the purposes of optimizing learning: the provision of at-risk intervention, feedback, and adaptive learning was found in 11, 5, and 3 papers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified gaps for each of the 4 components of the LA life cycle, with the lack of an iterative approach while designing courses for health care professions being the most prevalent. We identified only 1 instance in which the authors used knowledge from a previous course to improve the next course. Only 2 studies reported that LA was used to detect at-risk students during the course's run, compared with the overwhelming majority of other studies in which data analysis was performed only after the course was completed.

Neurosurgery Lectures Benefit from a Flipped Class Approach

BACKGROUND

In a flipped classroom, students learn lecture material before class then participate in active learning during in-person sessions. This study examines preferences for flipped classroom activities during a neurosurgery presentation on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

METHODS

225 third- and fourth-year medical students on their core Neurology rotation watched an online podcast about TBI before meeting for in-person, active learning activities with a neurological surgeon. Before and after the class, students were given rank-based surveys with an optional section for comments. The initial survey assessed preference for specific active learning activities, and the final survey assessed satisfaction with the experience. The students also answered an online 20-question post-lecture test as part of the standard Neurology class assessment.

RESULTS

Every student scored over 90% on the post-lecture test. Of the 81 students who answered the first survey, most students (83.95%) strongly preferred or preferred case scenarios with group discussion. The average Likert score for case scenario preference (4.37/5) was significantly higher than the score for all other activities (p < 0.05). Of the 207 students who answered the second survey, 80.19% of students reported that they would probably or definitely like to see more flipped classroom activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students highly preferred case scenarios because, according to their comments, this method was relevant to real-life situations and led to higher information retention. This information suggests that the flipped classroom model for neurosurgical based lectures is preferred, beneficial, and should incorporate case scenarios. This methodology may also apply to neurosurgical residency training.