Successful integration of thyroid cytopathology and surgical pathology education in an E-module format

Joseph M. Rohr, Maheswari Mukherjee, Amber Donnelly, Sarah Sprinkle, Ernesto Martinez Duarte, Ana Yuil Valdes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context: The shift to digital learning in medicine is well underway and in fact spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. The didactic portion of our institution's cytotechnology (CT) education program is online and delivered to learners across the nation. With CT education elevating to the master's degree level, there is a need to expand cytologic correlation with surgical resection specimens. We also wanted to afford pathology residents the same. Methods: We developed an online cytologic–histologic correlation digital learning module (e-module) addressing thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNAs) and surgical thyroidectomy specimens which was administered as part of coursework in the CT education and pathology residency programs. The module was 35 min long and consisted of guided narration with both formative and summative interactive quizzes. After completion of the module, participants were invited to fill a brief survey comprised of multiple choice, Likert, and free response questions. This study was approved by the institutional review board. Results: The 29 respondents were comprised of 22 CT students and 7 residents. CT students had minimal experience thyroid pathology prior to the module; residents were mixed. Twenty-three (79.3%) ranked the highest tiers for learning cytopathology through this module, 24 (82.8%) for learning thyroid surgical pathology, and 25 (86.2%) for cytologic–histologic correlation. All respondents stated they would like similar activities in the future. Conclusions: Teaching cytology–histology correlation for thyroid in an electronic format was effective and well-received by participants. There is a demand for these activities among current learners, suggesting that expanding the available repertoire will be beneficial.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number100124
JournalJournal of Pathology Informatics
Volume13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Clinical education
  • Computers
  • Interdisciplinary medical education
  • New technology
  • Simulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Health Informatics
  • Computer Science Applications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Successful integration of thyroid cytopathology and surgical pathology education in an E-module format'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this