Implementación de actividades pedagógicas mediadas por el uso de imágenes digitales obtenidas a partir de preparaciones histopatológicas del laboratorio de parasitología.

Introduction and objectives: In the laboratories of microbiology, slides with histological sections of tissues affected by parasites are used frequently, which can break easily due to constant manipulation. Moreover, a large number of students observe only the microscopic field selected by the instructor and do not have the possibility of reviewing the microscopic pathophysiological alterations in the organs. The introduction of robotic microscopes, capable of scanning and digitizing complete slides, is an alternative to to achieve more dynamic practical activities for those who assist as learners in the 21st century. Unlike conventional digital image files that feed virtual classrooms, which typically display a single view, Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) files are formatted as multi-resolution pyramids that allow real-time viewer performance to be optimized and the images can be easily shared over the Internet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appreciation of medical students in relation to the use of WSI in the context of two cases raised for their approach during parasitology laboratory practices. Methods: Medical students from the 5th to the 10th semester were evaluated, after digitizing two histopathological sections that are part of the collection of parasite biopsies from the Microbiology course, and a clinical application was proposed for each case. Indications for use, clinical application scenarios, and WSIs were sent by email. Likewise, an instrument for measuring and collecting information (online survey) was applied that used the Likert scale with a weighting range between 1 and 5, to evaluate the quality of the digitized photographs and the behavior and functionality of the tool to each learner. Results: Sixty percent of the students evaluated with very easy (1) to open, zoom and scroll through the WSI; 60% with easy (2) to find and identify the parasite; and 80% were interested in learning how to handle the tool. Conclusions: The Whole Sheet Image (WSI) files were rated very highly quantitatively by the students who participated in the study and generated increasing interest for their future use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]