# 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.

## Key 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.