3D Digital tools in neuro-anatomy teaching: from peer-to-peer tutoring to clinically oriented approaches

Abstract

Neuroanatomy knowledge is pivotal due to the constantly increased use of neuroimaging in everyday clinical practice, even in the emergency setting as it is for patients potentially affected by stroke. To empower our students, we are relying on innovative 3D digital tools to teach human anatomy, exploiting several approaches among which Anatomage Table^TM, also fostering a peer-to-peer tutor program. We present here the results of a pilot phase of these initiatives. First year med students from the Italian and International Course used Anatomage Table^TM under the supervision of fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-year med students, as peer-to-peer tutors. Participants were divided into groups (10-12 people each). Three sessions lasting 2 hours were planned with a predefined topic: thorax (topic 1), abdomen/pelvis (topic 2), neuroanatomy (topic 3). A questionnaire was filled at the end of each session rating satisfaction/impact. One-hundred-thirty students (105 from the Italian course and 25 from the international course) participated. More than 90% of students rated the neuroanatomy session as highly satisfactory and more than 95% as highly useful, and 100% of them would suggest others participate. Based on these results, a further implementation is planned for the next year, also exploiting DICOM data to present the students with real clinical cases bearing a highly didactive anatomical content. Specifically, in the international course, based on a vertical track approach, we are also strongly relying on flipped-classroom approach. Digital tools to teach neuroanatomy are also being implemented for clinically oriented teaching for residents/consultants.