Enhancing Medical Education Through Digital Artistry: Impact of Workshops on Medical Illustration Software for Faculty Development

TL;DR

This study shows that workshops on digital illustration software significantly improve medical faculty's skills and confidence in creating educational visuals.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of hands-on workshops in improving digital illustration skills among medical educators.

Findings

Participants' post-training scores increased significantly (mean difference = 4.3, p < 0.001).

Over 90% of participants rated the workshop as 'excellent' or 'very good.'

Thematic analysis showed improved confidence and interest in advanced topics like 3D modeling.

Abstract

Background

Medical illustration enhances comprehension in health sciences, but digital illustration remains underutilized among educators, especially in resource-limited settings. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hands-on workshops in improving the medical faculty’s knowledge and technical skills in digital medical illustration.

Methodology

Three full-day workshops were conducted across Indian medical colleges with 115 faculty participants. Training focused on the use of Adobe Illustrator software. Participants were evaluated using structured pre- and post-tests (multiple-choice questions and practical items). Feedback was collected using Likert scales and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests and effect size (Cohen’s d). Qualitative feedback was analyzed using inductive thematic coding with inter-rater agreement (κ = 0.78).

Results

The mean pre-test score was 4.2 ± 1.3, which increased significantly to 8.5 ± 1.1 post-training (mean difference = 4.3, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 3.5). Over 90% of participants rated the workshop as “excellent” or “very good.” Thematic analysis revealed key outcomes, including improved confidence, the ability to create high-quality visuals, and an increased interest in advanced topics such as 3D modeling.

Conclusions

The workshop effectively enhanced short-term digital illustration skills and confidence among medical faculty. While long-term outcomes remain unmeasured, such hands-on training holds promise for faculty development in digital pedagogy.

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