Interactive Tutorial of Normal Lymph Node Histology for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Residents and Medical Students.

Abstract

Computer-based e-learning modules have been shown to be an effective learning tool in medical education. However, readily available, interactive, computer-based modules specifically educating on the histology of the normal lymph node have not been developed. Using Microsoft PowerPoint, I developed a macro-enabled slide show illustrating and describing the architectural, cytomorphologic, and immunophenotypic features of the normal lymph node. This resource can be made available to medical students and residents prior to their hematopathology service rotation, as well as during their rotation should they want to review the module. The tutorial is interactive, with mixed-media features, links to pre- and postquizzes, and an interactive quiz at the end to solidify understanding and address areas of confusion. After 1 year of elective implementation, eight out of 13 students chose to use the tutorial, four of whom gave formal feedback in the form of a survey and three verbal feedback. All feedback was positive, finding the tutorial a useful adjunct. Although extensive implementation was limited given the small numbers that rotate through the hematopathology service on a yearly basis, an interactive, computer-based module was found helpful by the students in learning normal lymph node histology. This 1-year experience demonstrated that the normal lymph node tutorial can be used as an effective adjunct in educating pathology residents and medical students on normal lymph node cytomorphology and immunoarchitecture in the context of a busy clinical patient care setting. Continued learner feedback will be necessary to further enhance the quality of this platform for education.