Online “Sound Bites”: A Novel Method for Teaching and Learning Cytopathology

Abstract

Introduction: Medical education has seen a shift from hierarchical, lecture-centered instruction to learner-directed modalities including online tools. A host of studies have demonstrated the value of such “eLearning” tools, however, many focus primarily on medical students, and recommendations for residency sub-specialties are lacking. Cytopathology represents fertile ground for eLearning innovations due to the immense depth and breadth of knowledge required for mastery of this corner of Pathology. Materials and Methods: We addressed learning challenges faced by Pathology residents through 4 short (w10 minute) web-based tutorials (dubbed “Sound Bites”) covering selected topics in Cytopathology: 1) salivary gland tumors; 2) Bethesda Criteria for thyroid fine needle aspirations; 3) fluid interpretation; and 4) glandular lesions of the cervix. Sound Bites included “unknown” cases for self-assessment. We tracked utilization of these online modules and surveyed residents about their experiences using them. We compared resident access of Sound Bites to their utilization of existing Cytopathology glass slide study sets. Results: 83% (10/12) of residents reported utilizing the Cytopathology Sound Bites within the first month of release, and those who had not yet accessed them stated that they planned to in the future. Residents reported accessing the modules from work computers (80%, 8/10), home computers (80%, 8/10) and/or mobile devices (50%, 5/10). Easy accessibility, brevity, and self-assessments were uniformly reported as important variables contributing to Sound Bite utilization. Within one month of the release of the first Sound Bite, individual Sound Bites were accessed a total of 30 times. In contrast, existing Cytopathology slide sets are accessed only about once a month. Conclusions: Web-based “Sound Bite” tutorials represent a valuable and well-utilized adjunct to resident Cytopathology education. This model not only represents a valuable resource for trainees, but also offers instructors a method for recording and storage of teaching modules.