Views of students on the use of computer aided pathology practical classes

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Conducting pathology practical classes in the traditional manner is becoming increasingly difficult With rapidly advancing medical knowledge it is a challenge to impart a large amount of facts within a limited time. A programme of Computer Aided Pathology Practicals (CAPP) was introduced to overcome these challenges. AIMS: To determine whether this programme was successful in the view of the students, what the short comings were, and how the system could be improved. METHODS: A self administered questionnaire was used to assess the views of the students of Batch 20 of the Medical Faculty, Kelaniya. The pathology practicals for these students had been conducted using both the traditional and the CAPP systems. Results: 62.7 % students preferred the CAPP programme. The reasons offered for this preference included greater enhancement of knowledge of the course content [59.6% ), a greater area of knowledge covered within a single session (76.9%], ability to appreciate the architectural (73.4%) and cytological features ( 76.8%) of lesions better, being easier to operate (77%) and the saving of time ( 85.7%). However 67.9% of the students were of the opinion that the traditional pathology practicals were more realistic especially with regard to appreciating the macroscopic features, than the CAPP system. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the CAPP programme was well received by a majority of students. The lack of "hands on experience" is a problem encountered in all forms of virtual teaching. This could be improved by encouraging the students to use the pathology museum more frequently.