Teaching medical students hematopathology: a randomized crossover study comparing direct inspection by light microscope versus projected images

BackgroundStudents’ ability to diagnose various blood disorders could be substantially improved by continuously reviewing approaches toward teaching hematology. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of light microscopes and projected images on students’ learning and determine medical students’ perception of these teaching methods.MethodsA randomized trial was conducted using a crossover design. Two groups, each with 30 students, were subjected to teaching methods based on light microscopes and projected images alternatively.ResultsNo differences were found in the two study groups’ baseline characteristics, such as median age, sex, and prior academic performance, as well as in the pre-test scores. Post-test scores were significantly higher among students subjected to the projection method than in the control group (Mean ± SD = 9.8 ± 1.7 vs. 5.1 ± 1.3, p