Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine最新文献

Anatomy learning has traditionally relied on drawings, plastic models, and cadaver dissections/prosections to help students understand the three-dimensional (3D) relationships within the human body. However, the landscape of anatomy education has been transformed with the introduction of digital media. In this light, the Open Anatomy Explorer (OPANEX) was developed. It includes two user interfaces (UI): one for students and one for administrators. The administrator UI offers features such as uploading and labelling of 3D models, and customizing 3D settings. Additionally, the OPANEX facilitates content sharing between institutes through its import-export functionality. To evaluate the integration of OPANEX within the existing array of learning resources, a survey was conducted as part of the osteology course at Ghent University, Belgium. The survey aimed to investigate the frequency of use of five learning resources, attitudes towards 3D environments, and the OPANEX user experience. Analysis revealed that the OPANEX was the most frequently used resource. Students' attitudes towards 3D learning environments further supported this preference. Feedback on the OPANEX user experience indicated various reasons for its popularity, including the quality of the models, regional annotations, and customized learning content. In conclusion, the outcomes underscore the educational value of the OPANEX, reflecting students' positive attitudes towards 3D environments in anatomy education.

Four versions of the novel Moletest on-device signal-processing analysis software, delivered on a single-application iPadPro11, were evaluated in pigmented skin lesions of patients sent for biopsy comparing its results with the lesion histology. The primary objective was to demonstrate that the nomela^® test provided at least 95 ± 2% sensitivity for not-melanoma. Proprietary software recognised the lesion perimeter, rejecting images with uncertain border, and performed analysis using non-scalar metrics of the image within the perimeter. From five algorithms any one reading outside the predefined melanoma range assigned the lesion to 'no evidence of melanoma' or otherwise to 'melanoma not excluded'. 1365 participants provided 1573 lesions. 1389 valid cases had a valid signal-processing test result and a valid histology report defined as 'not-melanoma' (n = 1205) or 'melanoma' (n = 184). Statistical analysis for the four versions were: sensitivity (ability of the signal-processing analysis to assign 'No evidence of melanoma' to a lesion with 'not-melanoma' histology) 8.6/48.4/76.9/52.1%; specificity (ability to assign 'Melanoma not excluded' to a lesion with 'melanoma' histology) 100/79.6/75.0/65.2%. The performance of the Moletest signal-processing analysis as a diagnostic support for rule-out of melanoma showed limited value in all four versions.

Background: A physician's career is shaped by lifelong learning and adapting to the world around them. Similarly, the medical school curriculum is ever evolving to train and shape medical students into qualified clinicians. In recent years, the search has shifted to a need for a well-rounded physician: one with medical competency and skills of effective communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Although the visual arts have been used as a teaching tool throughout centuries, it has not yet become part of medical education. Objective: To explore how the implementation of visual arts into the medical school curriculum can aid in medical student's development as physicians by improving their observational skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and empathy. Methods: A structured analysis of current literature was performed to understand the relationship between visual arts and its uses for enhancing medical school education. Results: Implementation of visual art into medical student's training was found to improve their observational skills in clinically purposeful ways and helped build students' visual literacy skills. Conclusion: Implementing visual art into the medical school curriculum has the potential to be a great tool in training the next generation of well-rounded physicians.

This study assessed the impact of posting video abstracts on journal articles and authors' X engagement. European Journal of Sport Science articles were disseminated on X as animated video abstracts (AN), author-provided video abstracts (AU), or title-only (TO) posts. Metrics, including page views, Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), X engagements, impressions, link clicks, media engagements, and views, were compared at 7 and 30 days. Authors' X presence and video abstract creation were also examined. Page views did not differ between groups after 7 or 30 days. After 7 days, AN received significantly more AAS, impressions, media views and media engagements than AU or TO. After 30 days, AN received significantly more AAS, impressions, engagements, media views and media engagements than AU or TO. TO received significantly more link clicks than AU or TO after 7 and 30 days. Fifty percent of authors have an X account and 11.2% indicated interest in creating a video abstract. Articles promoted using animated video abstracts received more attention, reach and impact on X than those promoted using author-provided video abstracts or title-only posts. Animated video abstracts can be used by authors to effectively promote their research findings and increase their visibility on social media.

Virtual reality (VR) and three-dimensional (3D) digital technologies have significantly influenced various fields in recent years, including medicine and dentistry, as they retain depth and spatial information. This pilot study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental professionals in Gujarat regarding the effectiveness of VR and 3D digital tools in forensic dental education and research. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 questions circulated among dental practitioners in Gujarat, India. Out of total 161 responses, 124 were from dental professionals and 37 were received from dental postgraduate students. The findings indicated limited knowledge of these technologies among both dental professionals and postgraduate students. The VR and 3D technologies were practiced by limited specialists, such as orthodontists, prosthodontists, forensic odontologist, oral-maxillofacial radiologist, whereas other specialists were not sensitized and trained in these technologies. With the ongoing development of technologies, there is no doubt that VR and 3D technologies can greatly aid in education and research, especially in this new era; encouraging new researchers to incorporate this high-potential modality and transform current practices in India and globally.

Dental photography is gaining popularity in contemporary dentistry, but its knowledge was unregulated in most dental schools' curriculum. The study aims to evaluate the level of photography practice and knowledge among dental students in Malaysia, acting as a baseline to include dental photography as a subject in the current curriculum. A series of questions were designed and validated by experts with a content validity index of 0.84. Questionnaires were distributed to the dental students with varied years of clinical experience. The level of knowledge was categorised into poor, weak, subpar, average, good and excellent. The common photography practice and courses attended were also tabulated. Among the 344 respondents, the most commonly used equipment was phone cameras (70.66%), whereas only 16.09% used digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The majority of dental students did not attend any photography-related courses (69.48%). Based on the level of photography knowledge, dental students mostly scored 'subpar' (25.84%), with no statistically significant differences between the years of clinical experience (p = 0.236). Therefore, proper and comprehensive dental photography courses should be imparted in the current curriculum to improve students' skills and knowledge.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a skin infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and a neglected tropical disease of the skin (skin NTD). Antibiotic treatments are available but, to be effective in the absence of surgery, BU must be detected at its earliest stages (an innocuous-looking lump under the skin) and adherence to prescribed drugs must be high. This study aimed to develop multisensory medical illustrations of BU to support communication with at-risk communities. We used a Think Aloud method to explore community health workers' (n = 6) experiences of BU with a focus on the role of their five senses, since these non-medical disease experts are familiar with the day-to-day challenges presented by BU. Thematic analysis of the transcripts identified three key themes relating to 'Detection,' 'Help Seeking,' and 'Adherence' with a transcending theme 'Senses as key facilitators of health care'. New medical illustrations, for which we coin the phrase "5D illustrations" (signifying the contribution of the five senses) were then developed to reflect these themes. The senses therefore facilitated an enriched narrative enabling the production of relevant and useful visuals for health communication. The medical artist community could utilise sensory experiences to create dynamic medical illustrations for use in practice.

Purpose: Virtual interactive 3-dimensional models (VI3DM) and immersive virtual reality are implemented in medical education and surgical training. VI3DM allow learners to view and interact with a virtual 3D object and help in conceptualising learning objectives that demand high cognitive and visuo-spatial skills. However, the effects of VI3DM in medical education are unknown. We aimed to determine whether VI3DM are helpful in conceptualising complex anatomical structures. Materials and methods: We included 5 specimens, which were assessed by 200 first-year medical students categorised into experimental (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups using a systemic randomisation method after matching for age and sex. The experimental group was given VI3DM as interventional learning resources while the control group was given 2-dimensional photographs as conventional learning resources for self-directed learning for 30 minutes. Participants completed a questionnaire before and after the learning session to assess their knowledge related to external features, attachments, and relations of anatomical specimens. Results: The scores of the experimental group improved significantly in the post-test compared to those of the control group for all 5 specimens included in the study (p < 0.05, confidence interval = 95%, unpaired student's t-test). Conclusions: VI3DM can help conceptualise external features, attachments, and relations of anatomical structures.

Biomimicry is the application of existing features in nature to human technologies, such as the invention of aircraft inspired by bird flight. In the development of medical solutions, biomimicry is a growing field of research, where a holistic understanding of nature can inspire cutting-edge design. The purpose of this study was to create an educational, visual resource exemplifying up-and-coming medical applications of biomimicry. A website was created to present 2D motion graphics (animations) and illustrations. Animation is an established and useful method of communicating health information to the public. This presents an accessible interface for the public to interact with and learn about this area of research, bridging the gap between the two. Increasing public knowledge, engagement, and interest can expand the reach and thereby influence future research. A survey was conducted to assess public engagement and opinions on both the resource and the topic of biomimicry and medical design. The results suggested that participants positively engaged with the resource; 95.7% strongly agreed/agreed that the animations were beneficial for learning. All responding participants agreed that biomimicry could provide useful solutions in medical design. This study suggests that graphic motions are effective at communicating complex ideas for public outreach.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented threat to global health. During times of public health crises, governments and healthcare practitioners must effectively communicate preventive guidelines to the public to reduce viral transmission. Public compliance with recommended health behaviours is essential to the success of the overall pandemic response. This online experiment investigated the persuasiveness of visual message format on COVID-19 handwashing guidelines on people's behavioural intentions. A total of 350 participants, recruited through Amazon's MTurk, were randomly assigned to one of three information format conditions: text, infographic, or video. Results indicated that perceived severity, benefits, self-efficacy, cues to action, and perceived barriers significantly predicted people's intentions to comply with suggested preventive guidelines. There were no significant differences between the three information formats, in terms of behavioural intentions. These results have consequences for identifying and implementing public health strategies for a global health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve higher citizen engagement, and for understanding future emerging infectious disease preparedness.