Using Flipped Model And Drawing Tutorials To Teach Neuroanatomy In Graduate Certificate Program In Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

Abstract

ObjectiveIn collaboration with partners in the healthcare industry, we have created a Graduate Certificate Program in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring that prepares students to be neuromonitoring clinicians in operating rooms. Neuromonitoring clinicians provide live feedback regarding the integrity and functionality of a patient's nervous system while undergoing surgical operations. Profound knowledge of neuroanatomy is significantly important for the clinicians in this field to allow better understanding of the nervous system and structures at risk during the operations that utilize neuromonitoring. Learning structures in the nervous system and their complicated connections could be challenging for students. Students struggle to memorize parts of the brain, their positions, and connections, and do not retain knowledge for a long time after the ending of the class.MethodsTo make learning engaging and effective we use a hybrid model for the course: Students watch brain dissection movies and drawing tutorials, followed by quizzes and assessments online. Subsequently, during class meetings, we discuss about the role of nervous system regions using case studies that illustrate common neuropathologies. Students are required to draw nervous system structures as they listen to the modules included in the online tutorial “Draw It to know It”. As a part of drawing tutorials, basic descriptions of case studies are included. During the class, student also use virtual cadavers on Sectra tables, which enable students to perform virtual dissections of the brain and spinal cord that replace the use of preserved postmortem human brain material, and discus in more details case studies.ResultsOur experience is that introductory online drawing tutorials help students to visualize three dimensional relationships of nervous system regions, and improved student engagement during class. However, when students were assigned to draw the complicated neuronal pathways before in class lecture, their cognitive skills and engagement were not improved.ConclusionIn conclusion, our hybrid model with introductory assignments and drawing tutorials serve students to build in‐depth knowledge during class. Balanced online and in class activities provides solid knowledge to the students in our program and prepares them to practice in the intraoperative neuromonitoring field.Support or Funding InformationSelf supporting program