Abstract
Understanding the dynamic concepts of pregnancy anatomy and fetal development can be difficult and spatially challenging. There is a lack of digital learning technologies to aid visualisation and comprehension of reproductive anatomy.
Thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential for healthcare students. Interaction with three-dimensional (3D) digital technology can provide accessible, intuitive anatomical learning. To support reproductive anatomy learning, a 3D multimodal interactive software program named the Road to Birth was developed at one Australian university.
Evaluate the technical feasibility, usability and acceptability of the Road to Birth as a 3D mobile application amongst undergraduate midwifery and medical students at one Australian university and one United Kingdom university.
A cross-sectional design. Consenting participants completed a technology usage survey and installed the application on smartphones or tablets. Following twelve-weeks self-study use, participants completed System Usability Scale (SUS) and acceptability surveys. Descriptive statistics are presented for technology usage, SUS and acceptability data.
178 students (n=129 midwifery, n=49 medical) participated. SUS scores indicated application usability was good (median=80.0). Five-point Likert scale data showed the application was an acceptable learning resource (median=4.58). Participants agreed the application improved reproductive anatomy understanding (87%), was more engaging than lecture materials (90%) and should be used within their courses (94%).
This study demonstrates the Road to Birth 3D mobile application is a feasible, usable and acceptable reproductive anatomy educational tool for midwifery and medical students. Findings indicate the technology meets students’ needs as a self-learning method, whilst complementing curriculum subject materials.