Advancing hematological cytology education through virtual training

Abstract

Background: The shift to virtual learning has become essential in medical education, particularly in specialized fields such as hematological cytology. This study describes the development, implementation and rating of an asynchronous online course in hematological cytology for undergraduate medical students. Methods: The course integrated multimedia resources such as virtual microscopy, interactive videos, and self-assessment tools. Over three years, 174 students enrolled, with a 91.4% completion rate. The effectiveness of the course was evaluated through student surveys, which assessed course organization, content, and student satisfaction. Results: The average student satisfaction rating for course organization was 9.7 ± 0.73. The virtual microscope, a key tool in the course, received a high rating of 9.0 ± 0.93. The course was divided into seven modules, progressing from basic to more complex topics. The most highly rated modules were "Microscopy, Cytological Smears, and Staining Techniques" and "Normal Bone Marrow". More advanced modules, such as "Acute Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndromes," received lower ratings, indicating a need for additional support in complex topics. Conclusions: The online course successfully replicated key aspects of hands-on cytology education, demonstrating that virtual tools can effectively enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The high completion and satisfaction rates highlight the potential of virtual learning in medical education, paving the way for future innovations in specialized training.