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Multimedia learning helped students perform flap simulation better

Medical students who used computer-assisted learning performed better than those who used standard, printed materials to study before performing a rhomboid flap on a skin model, according to recent study results.

Fifty medical students in their fifth and sixth years in Brazil participated in the study. Students with prior experience designing a rhomboid flap or experience assisting in or performing the procedure were excluded. A five-question pre-test was completed by all students. Half the students were randomly assigned to a control group, which received a standard, text-based article to study for 5 minutes. The others (computer-assisted learning [CAL] group) had 5 minutes to study multimedia software that described how to fashion a rhomboid flap. Three masked board-certified plastic surgeons used the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill protocol to evaluate the groups who performed a cutaneous flap on a training bench model for 5 minutes. Students then completed a post-test that covered the same questions as the pre-test.

Controls were then given 5 minutes to watch the multimedia software instructions, followed by another chance to perform the rhomboid flap simulation.

The CAL group had a higher mean checklist score than controls (7.72 ± 2.05 vs. 4.08 ± 4.0; P<.002), as well as superior overall global assessment (P=.017) and post-test results (P<.001). All students rated the software as the best teaching method.

“CAL learners exhibited better subjective and objective performance when fashioning rhomboid flaps as compared to those taught with standard print material,” the researchers concluded. “Although not surprising, the fact that students performed differently was remarkable, because both teaching methods provided the same content. This ultimately suggests that methods that combine animation, audio and text may be much more effective than plain or even illustrated text when used in appropriate contexts.”

Disclosure: The researchers declared no relevant financial disclosures.