Drawing for Retention: Using Visual Arts to Teach Cardiovascular Pathophysiology in Athletic Training

Abstract

Context Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sport-related deaths in young athletes. Athletic training students must understand cardiovascular anatomy and physiology in addition to pathophysiology to appropriately care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Objective Describe a teaching technique to actively engage students in lecture about cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and electrocardiograms. Background Drawing for retention is an educational technique used in medical education to help students recognize patterns, reinforce knowledge, and retain information. Using drawing for abstract concepts that cannot always be visualized or applied enhances comprehension. Description An educational technique using drawing for retention to teach cardiovascular concepts, conditions, and basic electrocardiogram interpretation was implemented in an emergency care in athletic training course. The instructor drew and lectured on concepts of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, electrocardiograms, and interventions while the students drew and took notes on the concepts. Educational Advantage(s) Students describe this activity as a beneficial way to learn and apply cardiovascular anatomy and physiology to cardiovascular conditions and treatment. Conclusions Faculty may consider implementing drawing for retention as an active learning technique to engage students with complex or abstract topics.