title: Development and evaluation of an interactive Web-based breast imaging game for medical students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate by student survey an interactive computer tool for teaching breast imaging to 4th-year medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  An interactive computer game was designed for competitive play between two students or between one student and one of two cyber players. Content was determined from a survey of faculty members in breast imaging, and the survey results were grouped into 10 learning objectives. Pre-existing knowledge of these objectives in 16 4th-year medical students was tested by a quiz. On the basis of the learning objectives, case scenarios and questions were incorporated into the game, which was programmed in JavaScript and available on a Web site. Preliminary and final versions of the game were used for teaching 55 4th-year medical students. A subgroup of 42 students received an informational handout. Student surveys were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean quiz score for pre-existing knowledge of the learning objectives was 45% (range, 13%-67%). Survey results showed that images contributed to educational value (92%), the Web site was more interesting to students than the handout (93.6%), and the Web site provided additional reinforcement of learning beyond that of the handout or lecture (88.8%). Students liked the Web site accessibility (96%), and more than 70% agreed the Web site was also appropriate for other medical specialties. An Internet search identified no other Web-based computer games for medical students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students surveyed found the Web site to be worthwhile, convenient, and applicable to other specialties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor 48109-0326, USA.
authors.forename: Marilyn A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Roubidoux
authors.forename: Chris M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Mary E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Piontek
mesh_terms: D001940:Breast / Q000737:chemistry*; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D003625:Data Collection; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000592:standards; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000592:standards; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000592:standards; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D005717:Games, Experimental; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D016730:Program Development / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000592:standards; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D013663:Teaching