Visual Art-Based Training Improves Medical Students’ Radiologic Labeling Skills by Improving Their Contrast Sensitivity: A Prospective, Controlled Study

Observational skills, including radiologic perceptual abilities, are critical for medical professionals. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of various visual art courses on observational skills. Some institutions have even incorporated art courses into their curriculum for this purpose. However, the underlying reason for this improvement remains unclear.

This prospective, controlled study aims to determine the positive impact of a virtual art evaluation course on medical students’ radiologic labeling skills and to uncover the underlying reason.

This study examines whether a 12-week art evaluation course with monitored attendance enhances medical students’ ability to detect brain abnormalities in MRI scans. Medical students participated in pre- and post-tests identifying abnormalities, while a control group received no intervention. The art course focused on elements such as composition and balance. MRI characteristics, such as the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), were measured to assess image quality. To evaluate test difficulty and student performance, the Discrimination Index (DI) was calculated.

No significant difference was found in pre-test scores between the study and control groups (p = 0.35). A significant increase in post-test scores was observed in the study group (9.52 ± 3.11 vs. 10.69 ± 2.72, p = 0.04), compared to controls (8.69 ± 3.03 vs. 9.30 ± 2.88, p = 0.19). A moderate positive correlation was found between score improvement and course attendance in the art group (r = 0.42, p = 0.0407). Strong positive correlations were calculated between the DI and CNR in the art group (r = 0.511, p = 0.0205; r = 0.513, p = 0.0212).

Virtual art courses, which are easy to organize and enjoyable educational activities, improve medical students’ radiologic labeling skills and are associated with an increase in their contrast sensitivity.