Whether you're a junior doctor just starting your journey or a seasoned senior doctor, the need to continually absorb new information and adapt to novel techniques is paramount. One potent tool that stands out in augmenting this learning trajectory is the art of mind mapping.

Mind mapping, a concept popularised by Tony Buzan in 1974, is a visual technique for organising and understanding information. Unlike traditional learning, which often follows a linear path, mind mapping mirrors the brain's radiant thinking, starting from a central point and branching outwards. This approach allows for the creation of a visual network of ideas, concepts, and facts that are interconnected and easier to remember.

Traditional learning forces readers to start in the top left corner and move side to side, down to the bottom.  This isn’t the way the brain usually works – as highlighted by Tony Buzan way back in 1974

The process of mind mapping begins with a central theme, documented in the centre of a page in landscape orientation. From this central point, related ideas radiate outwards, creating a network of interconnected concepts. This shift from rote learning to meaningful learning allows for a deeper understanding and more likely application of knowledge.

Mind mapping offers several benefits for doctors engaged in CPD. It helps identify gaps in knowledge, group related concepts, and reinforce understanding. Studies have shown that mind mapping can improve retention and recall by 10-15% [4]. It provides an overview, connects concepts, and offers a refreshing alternative to traditional learning methods. Furthermore, mind maps can be used collaboratively, making them excellent tools for group study sessions or as memory cues for later use [5].

There are numerous potential use cases for mind mapping in medicine. It can be used for essay planning, problem-solving, and note-taking. It's particularly useful when studying for exams, as it allows for the compilation of key points and their grouping into a clear structure. Mind mapping is an excellent tool for identifying gaps in your knowledge - for instance, it can be used in conjunction with techniques like the Feynman Technique, which involves explaining concepts in simple terms to enhance understanding (this technique will feature in a later post).

Several free online tools can facilitate mind mapping, including Coggle [1], Canva [2], Sketchboard [3], and Cacoo [4]. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and features that can help doctors create and share their mind maps.

Mind maps are not just creative thinking tools; they are productivity boosters. They provide an alternative to conventional techniques, particularly beneficial for visual thinkers. Mind maps visually organise ideas, reflecting the radiant thinking of the brain and facilitating idea generation and logical organisation. They improve memory recall and learning by utilising imagery, colour, and spatial arrangement.

Mind mapping is an invaluable tool for your CPD Home program. It offers a unique way to visualise and understand complex information, making it an essential part of your lifelong learning journey. Embrace mind mapping and unlock a new level of understanding and knowledge retention.

References:

1: Coggle, https://coggle.it/

2: Canva, https://www.canva.com/en_gb/

3: Sketchboard, https://sketchboard.io/

4: Cacoo, https://nulab.com/cacoo/templates/mind-map-template/

5: Mind Mapping software – compelling business advantages, http://mindmappingsoftwareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Mind-mapping-software-advantages.pdf

6: The efficacy of the 'mind map' study technique. Med Educ. 2002 May;36(5):426-31, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12028392/