Visual thinking strategies enhance clinical observation skills in medical and nursing students: an experimental study

Good observation skills are crucial for accurate diagnosis. We evaluated Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), an art-based teaching method, on medical students' observation skills via randomized controlled trials with 92 undergraduates and 78 graduates. One group attended VTS sessions led by art teachers; the other received traditional nursing education. Post-course tests revealed VTS significantly improved clinical observation scores (F=23.49, p<0.01), with graduates outperforming undergraduates (F=56.58, p<0.01). A notable interaction between VTS and knowledge background was found (F=107.7, p<0.05). VTS, even outside art museums, effectively enhances medical students' observation skills through visual art training..