Exploring the features of mobile phone application of anatomy in basic medical sciences: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background The importance of mobile phones has become one of the new research topics in health professions education due to the ease of access and flexibility. Although novel approaches to health professions education recommend the use of educational technologies, such as mobile applications, a limited number of studies have been conducted with regard to learning anatomy through mobile applications. Considering the increasing needs of medical students for mobile technology to meet their educational needs, wants and desires, we decided to explore the features of an anatomy mobile application. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in two stages of holding focus groups, and an expert panel session. Students of basic Medical sciences, and faculty members of anatomy at Iran University of Medical Sciences formed the research participants. Semi-structured interviews and note-taking were used to collect the data. Moreover, Brown and Clark methods were used for thematic analysis. Finally, four criteria presented by Lincoln and Guba for qualitative studies were used to ensure the credibility, confirmability, trustworthiness and transferability of the data. Results Based on the data analysis, 37 codes that could be used to design anatomy mobile content for medical students were extracted. These features were categorized into eight main themes of “visual richness”, “scientific comprehensiveness”, “auditory richness”, “affordability”, “user-friendliness”, “self-assessment”, “interactive content” and “user support”. Conclusion This study explored the features of an anatomy application that can be used by educational app developers. Anatomy departments at Medical Universities, policymakers, and curriculum planners in the field of medical education can also adopt the findings of the present study.

Technological resources for teaching and learning about human anatomy in the medical course: Systematic review of literature

“…Their multifunctionality characterizes them, as they bring an interactive interface, in which the user can explore images, texts, and sometimes manipulate 3D AR software that is inserted into the platform (Tworek et al, 2013; Von Sass et al, 2015) or conduct videoconferences (Allsop et al, 2020). Part of them was designed to be accessed by smartphones, such as applications that bring 3D anatomical content or important theoretical texts (Li et al, 2014; Mansouri et al, 2020). Other platforms are accessed mainly on the desktop.…”

Identifying the content, functionalities, and features of a mobile application for contact lens wearers

“…They suggested utilizing minimal data entry into the mobile application using selection controls such as checkboxes in the user interface design [ 33 ]. This is highlighted by Mansouri et al who mentioned that mobile applications will be acceptable and enhance learning if they are designed to be user-friendly [ 39 ]. In line with the current study, different studies have highlighted various features in the development of mobile applications such as easy-to-use and simple design [ 38 ], approved information by medical staff [ 32 ], links to reliable websites and information resources [ 35 ], and a mix of educational materials like video, images, voice, and text [ 34 , 39 – 41 ].…”

Factors Affecting Medical Students’ Continuance Intention to Use Mobile Health Applications

“… 21 Some researchers have attempted to evaluate the valuable mobile health app of learning in basic medical sciences and clinical skills acquisition from features with visual richness, scientific comprehensiveness, auditory richness, usability, user-friendliness, self-assessment and professional. 22 , 23 Then, mobile health apps, usually serve as interventions, have showed better efficacy in medical education or clinical practice by randomized controlled trial (RCT). A RCT involving physiotherapy students has suggested the effectiveness of a mobile health apps as a complement to traditional education for developing skills in ultrasound and palpation of the shoulder region.…”