Evaluation of a computer program ('disect') to consolidate anatomy knowledge: a randomised-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
The teaching of anatomy to medical undergraduates continues to develop. Medical imaging can accurately demonstrate anatomy. 'disect' is a computer program which manipulates and reconstructs real CT images in 3-D.


OBJECTIVE
To implement and assess a novel computer-based imaging resource.


METHODS
Third-year undergraduate medical students at the University of East Anglia were randomised to different methods of delivering the program - either self-directed use or guided use with worksheets. Knowledge of gastro-intestinal anatomy was assessed using a 20-item test. Attitudes to using 'disect' were evaluated using Likert scales.


RESULTS
Most students reported the program was easy to use and a valuable resource for learning anatomy. There was no difference in scores between guided use and self-directed use (10.7 marks versus 10.6 marks, p = 0.52). Students who undertook the anatomy special study module, which involved dissection of the digestive system, performed best (12.8 marks versus 9.9 marks, p = 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Students can adequately use a computer program to see major anatomical structures derived from CT scans. Students reported that learning anatomy can be aided by the imaging-based resource. Learning anatomy is a multi-modal activity and packages like 'disect' can enhance learning by supplementing current teaching methods.
Tam
M D B S
MD
The Radiology Academy, The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Norwich NR4 7UB, UK. mattthewtam2005@gmail.com
Hart
A R
AR
Williams
S M
SM
Holland
R
R
Heylings
D
D
Leinster
S
S
D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006113:United Kingdom