gms | German Medical Science

Cytotechnologists/pathologists working in the field of screening for cervical are highly interested in continuous education and updating professional skills, but show limited acceptance of e-learning and e-assessment. One of the reasons might be that in Austria diagnosis is predominantly done on a kind of smear problematic for application in virtual microscopy.

To overcome this problem a training tool combining conventional microscopic work and Moodle entered a course for gynecological cytodiagnostics newly established at the FH Wiener Neustadt in 2008. Compulsory attendance of the course was limited to 12/10 entities per year (each lasting for 3 days) and frontal teaching was minimized, yet training on the home microscope was stressed. A detailed cytogram suitable for Moodle was created. This cytogram included specification on specimen adequacy, cellular description and final diagnosis using the Austrian and Bethesda schema. During their first attendance period participants (n=28, 1 male and 27 female, 26-60 years) were trained in the use of Moodle. At the end of each attendance period a box with 50 conventional gynecocytological slides was provided. The diagnostic part was then done on the microscope they use for daily work. Additionally, they needed internet access. After screening the trainees entered their conclusions into Moodle and could check the accordance to the tutor´s slide description, immediately. There were two possibilities of repetition and a time limit for evaluation. Overall 60 concordance was necessary to pass given tasks.

Although three quarters of participants had limited computer experience introductory training of two hours was sufficient and successful. None of the participants reported major troubles when using the training platform for slide evaluation. Concordance of tutor's and trainees' results after the last attempt ranged from 63-100%. The training program disclosed trainee specific diagnostic problems and had positive impact on motivation and face to face training.