ABSTRACT
The disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the assessment component of the undergraduate medical curriculum. The lack of physical ascertainment of the learning outcomes has forced the medical educators across the world to adopt online modes of assessment. Though multiple options like true / false, short answers and viva were available, the most common tool for many was multiple choice questions as they could be arranged according to the cognitive hierarchy of Miller’s pyramid. The present study was undertaken to analyze the effect of incorporating images while framing MCQs for online anatomy assessment among first year medical students. The study was planned in a quasi-controlled design where a batch of 150 students were subjected to a set of 40 multiple choice questions (20 text based and 20 image based MCQs). The questions were designed following Ebel and Frisbie guidelines of MCQs and validated by three investigators independently. Three cycles of assessments were conducted, and the scores were analyzed. At the end of 3 cycles of assessment feedback was taken from the students regarding this method of assessment. The performance of students was better in image based MCQs compared to traditional MCQs in all regions. Upon documenting the percipience, students had felt that image based MCQs were interesting, improved their clinical reasoning skills, lateral thinking abilities and quest for learning applied anatomy. Thus, we postulate that image based MCQs could be considered as better assessment tool in the era of online learning
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Kyphosis is a sharp posterior angulation due to localized collapse or wedging of one or more vertebrae and scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. These may occur due to a congenital defect, fracture, and sometimes pathological or spinal tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: During routine cadaver dissection, four cases of kyphoscoliosis were identified. In the first case, a protrusion on the posterior surface of the trunk of the cadaver at L1 level was observed in a 60- year-old male. The lungs were collapsed and adherent with the pleura and thoracic wall. The posterior wall of the stomach was adherent to the pancreas and a depression was noted on the anterior surface of abdominal aorta. The T12 and L1 vertebrae were fused, and the spine was deviated to the left side. The anterior aspect of the body of L1 vertebrae was marginally eroded. The second case of kyphoscoliosis was from 80-year-old female cadaver. The descending and abdominal aorta had an abnormal course along the vertebral column, third and fourth cases were observed with slight protrusion and scoliosis but not much changes in the vertebral column. Results: The cause of the deformity was confirmed by pathological examination of the tissues showed inter vertebral disc degeneration with calcification and ossification and osteopenia. The underlying etiology can be tuberculosis, injuries, or infections. Conclusion: Severe kyphoscoliosis can affect wide range of systems in the body. It will affect not only the respiratory system also pressure on great vessels as a consequence of bony deformity.