The First & Second Digital Medical Illustration Workshop for Cleft Providers

Abstract

Objective

The paper highlights the potential benefits of digital medical illustration for improving patient care and medical education.

Design

The first and second medical illustration workshops were offered for participants of two annual meetings for cleft providers. Data was collected through a survey distributed to the participants at the end of the workshop.

Main Outcome Measures

The survey consisted of three parts. The first part assessed participants’ background. The second part focused on the participants’ opinion on illustration in medical practice. The third part focused on the satisfaction of the workshop.

Results

A total of 38 participants filled the survey. 9 participants considered themselves having poor artistic ability, 11 responded fair, 14 considered themselves good, and 4 reported having very good artistic ability. One person somewhat disagreed that learning illustration would help in surgical practice, 14 were neutral and 22 somewhat agreed. 13 participants were neutral about medical illustration helping in academic practice and 24 somewhat agreed. 23 participants strongly agreed that the content of the workshop was relevant to their job, 5 somewhat agreed and 2 were neutral. 27 strongly agreed that the workshop has increased their interest in the subject, 2 somewhat agreed and 1 was neutral.

Conclusions

The Medical illustration workshops done were a success and received positive feedback. Digital medical illustration is already being used by a few cleft providers; many of whom acknowledge its potential benefits in surgical and academic practice.