Student evaluation of a Learning Enhancement in Anatomy Program (LEAP) during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study

Background and Objective@#The pandemic acted as an accelerator for the development of online teaching formats in anatomy and histology worldwide. The authors introduce a bridging program that reinforces the knowledge and understanding of gross and correlative anatomy and histology acquired in a virtual environment in preparation for its future clinical application. The study aims to evaluate the Learning Enhancement in Anatomy Program (LEAP) conducted among first-year medical students at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. @*Methods@#This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to determine the initial experience of implementing a learning enhancement program and assess areas for its improvement. An internally validated questionnaire was given to students after the program to gauge students’ reactions (Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation). Pre- and post-tests were administered to evaluate knowledge acquisition (Kirkpatrick Level 2 evaluation). Short-term behavioral peer evaluation (Kirkpatrick Level 3 evaluation) was also instituted. @*Results@#One hundred fifty-two (152) students participated in the study. General reactions from students to the LEAP were consistently positive, with a steady majority of the students rating ‘5’ or a ‘Strongly Agree’ to positive statements regarding the program. Higher ratings for more traditional teaching methods, such as cadavers, formalinized specimens, and bones, compared to virtual systems were apparent. However, inter-student variation in preference for teaching modalities was observed. All stations of the LEAP were evaluated satisfactorily, with most gross anatomy stations rated higher than histology stations. A significant increase was noted in the total post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. This improvement in test scores was observed in the anatomy and histology subcategories and in six of the seven organ system modules. Perceived behavioral outcomes were also generally positive. @*Conclusion@#The LEAP is a worthwhile endeavor, garnering overwhelmingly positive reactions and a significant improvement in test scores. Future studies are necessary to fine-tune teaching and training in a blended learning environment.

Perceptions on the use of dissection videos in learning gastrointestinal anatomy among medical students

Background and Objective@#Lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift to online learning in the University of the Philippines-College of Medicine. The study of gross anatomy is difficult in itself but was compounded by the lack of cadaveric dissection. To bridge this learning gap, medical students had a limited face-to-face activity with cadaveric prosection. As a supplement, dissection videos on gastrointestinal anatomy were viewed prior to the activity. This study aimed to determine the perceptions and experiences of students on the use of dissection videos.@*Methods@#We described the perceptions of students on the dissection videos based on their evaluation form responses after rotating in the OS 206 course module on gastrointestinal anatomy. A 5-item evaluation form was rated using a 4-point Likert scale. Categorical variables were described by frequency and percentages using Microsoft Excel.@*Results@#A large majority (97% to 99%) strongly agreed that the videos were easy to access and had good audio-video quality. Around 68%-70% strongly agreed that the videos enhanced their understanding and made their learning experience pleasant and enjoyable. Around 70% would recommend the videos to fellow students. Only a few (<3%) had negative perceptions on the videos.@*Conclusion@#Dissection videos on gastrointestinal anatomy prior to cadaveric prosection laboratory sessions were perceived by medical students as accessible, good quality, and helpful aids in the study of gross anatomy.

Anatomical variations of the celiac trunk in adult Filipino cadavers: A retrospective study

Objectives@#The celiac trunk (CT) is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta and typically gives rise to the left gastric artery (LGA), common hepatic artery (CHA), and splenic artery (SA), which supply blood to the abdominal viscera. Variations in the branching pattern of the CT exist and knowledge of such is crucial when performing surgical, laparoscopic, and angiographic procedures. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomic variations of the CT in adult Filipino cadavers and to compare the proportions of these with those reported in the foreign literature.@*Methods@#Adult Filipino cadavers from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory were dissected by first year medical students from 2014-2019. The CT and its branches were identified, drawn on a separate piece of paper, and confirmed to be correct and accurate by an anatomist. The data collected from that period was reviewed. Percentages were calculated for the branching patterns identified. A Z-test of Two Populations was used to compare the results of the current study to that of Pinal-Garcia (2018), Pillay (2020) and Venieratos (2013).@*Results@#A total of 107 drawings based on 107 dissected preserved cadavers were reviewed. Ninety-two specimens (85.98%) showed typical branching into the LGA, CHA, and SA. The CT presented as a true tripod (tripus Halleri) in 75 specimens (70.09%) and as a bifurcation with one of the three arteries arising first along the trunk (false tripod) in 17 specimens (15.89%). Nine cadavers (8.41%) showed additional branches arising from the CT and four (3.74%) showed bifurcation of the CT with the third branch arising from a different artery.@*Conclusion@#The most common configuration of the CT among Filipino adult cadavers is a true tripod, followed by a false tripod, additional branching, and bifurcation of the CT with the third branch arising elsewhere. The present study most closely resembles the results of the study of Venieratos.

Anatomical variations of the Celiac trunk in adult Filipino cadavers: A retrospective study

Objectives@#The celiac trunk (CT) is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta and typically gives rise to the left gastric artery (LGA), common hepatic artery (CHA), and splenic artery (SA), which supply blood to the abdominal viscera. Variations in the branching pattern of the CT exist and knowledge of such is crucial when performing surgical, laparoscopic, and angiographic procedures. The aim of this study is to determine the anatomic variations of the CT in adult Filipino cadavers and to compare the proportions of these with those reported in the foreign literature. @*Methods@#Adult Filipino cadavers from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory were dissected by first year medical students from 2014-2019. The CT and its branches were identified, drawn on a separate piece of paper, and confirmed to be correct and accurate by an anatomist. The data collected from that period was reviewed. Percentages were calculated for the branching patterns identified. A Z-test of Two Populations was used to compare the results of the current study to that of Pinal-Garcia (2018), Pillay (2020) and Venieratos (2013). @*Results@#A total of 107 drawings based on 107 dissected preserved cadavers were reviewed. Ninety-two specimens (85.98%) showed typical branching into the LGA, CHA, and SA. The CT presented as a true tripod (tripus Halleri) in 75 specimens (70.09%) and as a bifurcation with one of the three arteries arising first along the trunk (false tripod) in 17 specimens (15.89%). Nine cadavers (8.41%) showed additional branches arising from the CT and four (3.74%) showed bifurcation of the CT with the third branch arising from a different artery. @*Conclusion@#The most common configuration of the CT among Filipino adult cadavers is a true tripod, followed by a false tripod, additional branching, and bifurcation of the CT with the third branch arising elsewhere. The present study most closely resembles the results of the study of Venieratos.

A comparative study of Thiel soft-embalmed and formalin preserved cadavers for anatomy dissection

@#<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Cadavers are the main teaching and learning tools utilized by faculty and students of Gross Anatomy. The conventional procedure of using formalin to preserve cadavers has its limited benefit due to its obnoxious odor, darkened color, indistinguishable small structures, rigid joints, with friable organs and tissues. Using the Thiel Method, cadavers are known to have: life-like presentation, a high degree of suppleness, natural mobilization of various body parts with tolerable odor, natural color, and antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the Thiel soft-embalmed cadaver and the formalin-preserved cadaver for use in Gross Anatomy dissection.</p><p><strong>Materials and Method:</strong> Six formalin-preserved cadavers were compared with six Thiel soft-embalmed ones and were evaluated by 160 first year medical students and 10 faculty members of Gross Anatomy from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine using a visual analogue scale that evaluated the cadaver's presenting color. A Likert scale was utilized to assess the skin and muscle texture, blood vessel integrity, odor, joint flexibility, and state of cadaver preservation. Their perceptions on the ease of the dissection process, distensibility, and differentiation of structures were also elicited through a questionnaire checklist.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Results show that the Thiel Method-preserved cadavers were rated higher compared to the formalinpreserved cadavers in terms of: 1) presenting color; 2) tolerable odor; 3) skin and muscle texture; 4) blood vessel integrity; 5) joint flexibility; and 6) state of cadaver preservation after 1 year. However, the ease of the dissection process, the distensibility of structures, and the differentiation of the various structures were easily managed in the formalin-preserved cadavers while the feasibility of practicing laparoscopy, endoscopy, and intubation were seen in the Thiel soft-embalmed cadavers. Results validate the claims of previous studies on the advantages presented in using the Thiel Method.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Cadavers preserved utilizing the Thiel Method are life-like and can be used for Gross Anatomy dissection. The data gathered support the feasibility of using them also in research and training.</p>

Surgical simulation of endoscopic sinus surgery using Thiel soft-embalmed human cadaver

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> This study describes the quality of Thiel soft-embalmed cadavers as training model for endoscopic sinus surgery in terms of color and consistency of the tissues and similarity of performing the surgical steps to live surgery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Six Thiel soft-embalmed cadavers from the University of the Philippines, College of Medicine, Department of Anatomy were used as training models. The Thiel-preserved cadavers utilized the soft embalming protocol being employed at the Virginia State Anatomical Program in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Ten otorhinolaryngologists were recruited to evaluate the cadavers using a questionnaire with three parts. The first two parts utilize a 10-point Likert scale with 1 as the least similar to live patient while 10 as simulating the live patient. The third part is an open-ended question regarding the suitability of Thiel soft-embalmed cadavers in the training for endoscopic sinus surgery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Endoscopic sinus surgery was successfully performed in all cadavers. The Thiel soft-embalmed cadaver closely replicates the color and consistency of the anatomic structures important in endoscopic sinus surgery. All the surgical steps were performed with ease simulating live surgery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Thiel soft-embalmed cadaver is a suitable model for training in endoscopic sinus surgery.</p>