Perceptions of First-Year Medical Students on the Use of Whole Slide Imaging in Learning Histology

Whole Slide Imaging in Learning Histology

Abstract

Background: Traditional practice in histology teaching is to use the optical microscope for examination of the slides. Whole slide imaging (WSI) or virtual microscopy is an innovation that uses the scanned images of the histology slides that can be seen in any device that can be connected to the internet. WSI allows the user to pan and zooms the slide just like in a microscope, and the quality of the image is also reported to be superior to an optical microscope. The aim of the study was to assess the first-year medical students perceptions on the use of whole slide imaging in learning histology slides. Settings and Design is Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey. Subjects and Methods: Students of phase I MBBS were the study participants. Practical sessions on the histology of the gastrointestinal tract were conducted using the whole slide imaging. Using a 10 item questionnaire, feedback was obtained at the end of the teaching sessions. Statistical analysis used Descriptive statistics were used to explain the data. Results: The students showed a positive response in embracing this new mode of histology teaching. There was uniform support to the fact that the image quality and ease of use of the pan and zoom feature were useful in identifying details of the tissues. Conclusions: WSI was accepted with enthusiasm as a much-needed innovation in histology learning. If not a supplant, WSI can be used as an adjunct to traditional glass slide teaching using an optical microscope