Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine最新文献

This study investigated preference of both professionals and laypersons for different levels of detail in anatomical 3D models. Staff and students working with anatomical material at the University of Dundee, along with lay members of the public, were asked to give their preference regarding six 3D digital anatomy models. Three models showed the external anatomy of the human heart, and three showed the internal anatomy, each at varying levels of detail: low detail, medium detail, and high detail. Thirty-six participants took part in the study. Results were compared by overall preference as well as specifically in terms of the model's clarity and aesthetics. Results showed the majority of participants preferred the 'high detail' model overall as well as in terms of aesthetics, however the results for the model's clarity were more varied.

The field of visual medical communication has extensively demonstrated the potential benefits of using images to communicate health and scientific concepts. However, it is still unclear which specific types of visuals enhance understanding for particular audiences. The main goal of this study is to identify trends in how style features, namely levels of realism and detail, affect the understanding of medical illustrations by different target audiences. A systematic review was conducted, searching the following scientific literature databases: APA PsycNet, Biomedcentral, DOAJ, EBSCO, ERIC, JSTOR, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Semantic Scholar. Twenty-six original research articles published between 1986 and 2023 were identified, with half of the studies conducted in the USA and South Africa. The current body of evidence supports the idea that simple medical illustrations - both schematic and realistic - may be more easily understood by audiences, particularly lay audiences. Nevertheless, realistic, more detailed illustrations may be more appropriate for individuals with higher health literacy or for medical professionals. This review also compiles practical tips for illustrators and communicators to create effective visual materials, as well as considerations regarding the role of medical illustrators in developing effective medical illustrations.

Purpose: The present study was designed to analyse the effect of newly adopted sketch-based animated teaching of veterinary anatomy on students regarding its perceived usefulness and impact on retention of the subject knowledge.

Materials and methods: The study population consisted of undergraduate veterinary students (BVSc and AH) in the physical classroom (n = 81), postgraduate students (n = 17), and veterinary students in the virtual classroom during COVID-19 (n = 80) who evaluated the PowerPoint presentations with sketches and animations via questionnaire. The data collected from the results of the questionnaires were analysed.

Results and conclusion: The results suggested that this teaching should form part of the teaching of veterinary anatomy in combination with other teaching resources. This teaching aid is most valuable and effective in learning anatomy, especially in virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a combination of this sketch-based animation teaching and face-to-face classroom teaching was suggested as the best method by students. It is further recommended to impact students' retention power on the topics taught positively. The findings suggest that sketch-based animation interactive teaching aid is the current age method of teaching veterinary anatomy. This teaching module can be thus adopted for teaching veterinary anatomy to students, making it a more simple, enjoyable, and interactive experience.

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted various fields, and in recent years, high-performing AI image generation models have emerged. This paper explores the capabilities of these models, specifically DALL-E 2, Midjourney 5, and Stable Diffusion 1.5, in generating anatomical images where accurate depiction is crucial rather than mere creativity. The study evaluates the learning extent of anatomical terminology and the anatomical accuracy of generated images by these models across three main categories: bones, organs, and muscles. Additionally, a comparison was made a year later using the advanced versions of two models, Midjourney 6 and DALL-E 3, which had been reported to show significant improvements in image quality over their previous versions. However, even with these improvements, we conclude that AI models cannot fully replace the expertise, communication skills, and creative judgement of professional medical illustrators. This study emphasises that using AI as a complementary tool can enhance the quality of anatomical and medical communications and education, and this approach helps predict the future impact on traditional medical illustration fields.

Mental health promotion is increasingly recognised as a global imperative, with visual communication-including posters displayed on websites-playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and fostering awareness about human well-being. This article reports a cross-cultural pattern recognition analysis involving two colour studies. Study 1 investigates the use of colours in mental health promotion posters displayed on Chinese and British university websites of Nanjing, Shenzhen, Edinburgh, and London. Computational methods, including K-means clustering and Euclidean distance metrics within the CIELAB colour space, were employed to analyse the 30 most prevalent colours used in the poster designs. The findings reveal that Chinese posters predominantly feature vibrant, warm colours, while British posters use a varied palette and favour cooler, muted tones. Study 2 explores similarities and differences in colour choices perceived as relevant for use in mental health posters by visual designers of the four cities. By offering a city-level comparison, the study uncovers nuanced distinctions in how regional contexts influence colour choices and shape visual trends with regard to mental health promotion. The results advocate for the integration of data-driven and human-centred insights into the understanding of colour choices to ensure that mental health promotion remains both visually engaging and perceptually relevant across diverse global audiences.

The eye is an elegant yet complex organ, one we often take for granted in our daily lives. In the field of ophthalmology, however, we see how numerous factors can impact vision: Corneal diseases can affect the entry of light into the eye, cataracts impair our ability to focus an image, and retinal disorders disrupt the transmission of visual information to our brain. As such, the field of ophthalmology can be subdivided into multiple subspecialties, each focused on the medical and surgical management of specific areas within the eye. This series of digital illustrations demonstrates what each ophthalmology subspecialist might be if not in their current field, highlighting the distinct expertise and characteristics of each subspecialty. Ultimately, all ophthalmologists share a commitment to enhancing their patients' vision and quality of life, and despite minor differences, we can agree that ophthalmology is-arguably-the best field in medicine.

Clay modelling (CM) is increasingly used in anatomy education as a supplementary method alongside dissection, offering a hands-on, active learning approach that enhances student engagement and comprehension of anatomical structures. This study explored third-year Anatomy students' perceptions of CM, guided by postgraduate Visual Arts students, to deepen their anatomical understanding. Using a qualitative, interpretive/constructivist design, the study examined the experiences of students in the Applied Anatomy module. It focused on CM's impact on knowledge acquisition, retention, and application while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between anatomy and arts education. Students, working in groups, created clay models of facial muscles, mentored by Visual Arts students, and completed reflective assignments using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle. Of the 20 students enrolled, 19 consented to have their reflective assignments analysed for this study. Thematic analysis identified two key themes: (1) Cognitive and Educational Benefits and (2) Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Learning. Students reported improved anatomical understanding, retention, and metacognitive awareness through CM's creative, hands-on approach. While some found it time-consuming, most valued its interdisciplinary aspect, emphasising teamwork, communication, and integration of artistic and scientific skills, despite workload challenges. Overall, CM proved beneficial in blending science, art, and teamwork, enhancing both educational and professional development skills.

Standardised photographic documentation is essential in plastic surgery for clinical and academic use. ASPS guidelines outline strict standards, but advancements in technology, particularly smartphones, may have influenced adherence. This study evaluates adherence to photographic standards in breast and face photography from 2000 to 2020 in major plastic surgery journals. A total of 1,752 articles from three major plastic surgery journals in the years 2000 and 2020 were reviewed. Breast photographs were assessed based on patient positioning, arm positioning, background, clothing, and jewellery/watches, and framing, while face photographs included camera angle, patient positioning, background, clothing, makeup, hairdo, mimic, jewellery, and framing. Two independent reviewers scored adherence using a binary scale, with interrater reliability assessed via Cohen's kappa. Trends were analysed using least square means and paired t-tests (p < 0.05). Among 504 photographs, only 11.9% met all standards. Significant declines were observed in clothing (p < 0.001) and jewellery/watches (p < 0.001) for breast photography, and in photographic sectioning for face photography (p = 0.002). Improvements were noted in posing (p < 0.001), hairdo (p = 0.028), and framing for breast photography (p = 0.015). Adherence to photographic standards has declined in key areas, underscoring the need for reinforced training and technology-driven solutions to ensure professional documentation.