The role of clinical imaging tutorials in anatomy education

Radiology imaging aids anatomy learning, and computer modules offer flexibility; however, few studies evaluate the impact of radiology tutorials on anatomy knowledge. We evaluated the impact of imaging tutorials on medical student anatomy learning through objective repeated measures. Axial and appendicular regions were used to determine if radiologic tutorials impact student learning and if learning depends on structural region. Various radiologic image types, structural labeling, and clinical correlations were included within each tutorial. The control group (n=18) received basic anatomy education, while the intervention groups (n=16) received, additionally, the thoracic or lower limb tutorial. The mean differences in assessment scores were calculated between intervention and control groups. Tutorial access positively impacted overall anatomy knowledge (+11.92% thorax; +7.26% lower limb). The most significant impact of these tutorials on learning was in structure identification of radiologic images (+32.95% thorax; +20.42% lower limb). Tutorial users improved their knowledge in novel anatomy concepts within the thoracic region (+9.82% change), but not in the lower limb, suggesting a greater positive impact of these tutorials in axial anatomy education. This study provides evidence that clinical imaging tutorials are a viable adjunct in enhancing anatomy education. Grant Funding Source : None