Successful learning of surgical liver anatomy in a computer-based teaching module

Felix Nickel, Jonathan D. Hendrie, Thomas Bruckner, Karl F. Kowalewski, Hannes G. Kenngott, Beat P. Müller-Stich, Lars Fischer

To analyze factors influencing the learning of surgical liver anatomy in a computer-based teaching module (TM). Medical students in their third to fifth year of training ([Formula: see text]) participated in three randomized trials, each with a different primary hypothesis, comparing two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) presentation modes in a TM for surgical liver anatomy. Computed tomography images were presented according to the study and allocation group. Students had to answer eleven questions on surgical liver anatomy and four evaluative questions. Scores and time taken to answer the questions were automatically recorded. Since the three studies used the same 15 questions in the TM, a pooled analysis was performed to compare learning factors across studies. 3D groups had higher scores ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and needed less time ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text] s; [Formula: see text]) than 2D groups. Intensive training improved scores in 2D ([Formula: see text]). Men gave more correct answers than women, independent of presentation mode ([Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]). An overall association was found between having fun and higher scores in 11 anatomical questions ([Formula: see text]). In subgroup analysis, 3D groups had more fun than 2D groups (84.7 vs. 65.1 %; [Formula: see text]). If given the option, more students in the 2D groups (58.9 %) would have preferred a 3D presentation than students in the 3D group (35.9 %) would have preferred 2D ([Formula: see text]). 3D was superior to 2D for learning of surgical liver anatomy. With training 2D showed similar results. Fun and gender were relevant factors for learning success.