title: Audiovisual preconditioning enhances the efficacy of an anatomical dissection course: A randomised study.
abstract: The benefits of incorporating audiovisual materials into learning are well recognised. The outcome of integrating such a modality in to anatomical education has not been reported previously. The aim of this randomised study was to determine whether audiovisual preconditioning is a useful adjunct to learning at an upper limb dissection course. Prior to instruction participants completed a standardised pre course multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). The intervention group was subsequently shown a video with a pre-recorded commentary. Following initial dissection, both groups completed a second MCQ. The final MCQ was completed at the conclusion of the course. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in the performance in both groups over the duration of the three MCQs. The intervention group significantly outperformed their control group counterparts immediately following audiovisual preconditioning and in the post course MCQ. Audiovisual preconditioning is a practical and effective tool that should be incorporated in to future course curricula to optimise learning. Level of evidence This study appraises an intervention in medical education.
  
  
  METHODS
  Kirkpatrick Level 2b (modification of knowledge).
authors: Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland. Electronic address: annecollins7@gmail.com.
authors: Anne M
authors: AM
authors: Collins
authors: St James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Christine S
authors: CS
authors: Quinlan
authors: University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
authors: Roisin T
authors: RT
authors: Dolan
authors: Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Shane P
authors: SP
authors: O'Neill
authors: Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Tierney
authors: Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Kevin J
authors: KJ
authors: Cronin
authors: University of Dublin, Trinity College at Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland.
authors: Paul F
authors: PF
authors: Ridgway
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002102:Cadaver; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000193:education; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Anatomy; Audiovisual preconditioning; Continuing medical education; Dissection; Surgical education