Video vs. CD-ROM for teaching pelvic anatomy to third-year medical students. A comparison.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and student acceptance of video and CD-ROM review of pelvic anatomy in third-year obstetrics and gynecology students. STUDY DESIGN: A 34-item pretest was administered on the first day of the clerkship. Students were then randomized to watch a 45-minute video or use an interactive CD-ROM at home. All students took a posttest identical to the pretest. Examination scores were compared by paired and unpaired t test. Students completed a questionnaire on each method's ease, appropriateness, organization, appeal and time spent and whether they would recommend the method to others. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six students were randomized, 88 to CD and 88 to video. There was 100% compliance, although not all questionnaire items were completed. The mean pretest score for both groups was 50%. The posttest CD mean score was significantly different from the posttest video mean (64% vs. 70%). Both groups significantly improved after the intervention. The video group noted ease of use, but only 49% recommended it for the future. The CD-ROM was recommended by 80%. Student comments favored the CD-ROM. CONCLUSION: Use of video review resulted in short-term significantly higher test scores, but students preferred an interactive CD-ROM. This method should be made available to all students during the rotation.