IMAGEQUEST - A MODEL SELF-ASSESSMENT AND SELF-TEACHING PROGRAM FOR CYTOPATHOLOGY

OBJECTIVE: To develop a low-cost program for providing self-assessment and training for cytopathologists. STUDY DESIGN: Using an optical mic roscope with a color charge coupled device connected to a personal com puter equipped with an ISA bus frame grabber, images were digitized. A fter the selection of proper images, they were attached to 100 questio ns with a single answer and five options each. For every question, ref erences accompanied the answer. A colorful score and sounds were playe d while each question and its corresponding answer were on the screen in order to stimulate the learning process. RESULTS: A low-cost, attra ctive, effective program for providing self-assessment and training fo r cytopathologists was developed. CONCLUSION: The use of a high-level programming language permits the creation of a simple, assisted, progr ammable interface with accessibility for upgrades and customization fo r every pathologist. This feature permits the insertion of new questio ns, an essential feature to preserve the usefulness of the program for the future.