Use of a Novel, Digital Note-Taking Application to Enhance the Learning of Lower-Limb Anatomy Amongst Podiatry Students: A Qualitative Evaluation

Background
Learning anatomy is an essential part of the process of becoming a podiatrist. Anatomical knowledge underpins the assessment, diagnosis and management of lower limb pathology and competent professional practice. However, anatomy remains a challenging subject for students and educators. We have therefore developed an application to aid students in their continued learning and revision of anatomy in podiatric undergraduate training.

Methods
This qualitative exploration sought the experiences and perceptions of six undergraduate podiatry students as they used the application alongside their traditional studies. Participants were provided with an iPad, a stylus and the necessary application and given 6 months to use the app. We convened a focus group to collect data on their experiences and opinions for how the app could be improved. Data were analysed using a reflexive, thematic approach.

Results
Results were organised into two main themes: Engagement, and Improvements and Implementation and 5 sub-themes: “Learning control and personalisation: a change from the norm” “Applicability to clinical practice” “Beyond anatomy” “Desired improvements, training and timing” and “Not just for independent learning”. These themes illustrated participants' positive experience with the app from an educational perspective as well as their suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions
Participants engaged well with the note-taking application and found learning from it enhanced their understanding of musculoskeletal practice in particular. They were positive about the independent learning opportunity it provided and could see uses beyond anatomy for future development. This project has enabled us to understand students' approaches to learning better and therefore be in position to develop the application more effectively for future use.