Evaluating The Utility Of Gross Anatomy Instructional Videos In Dissection Hall: A Pilot Observational Study

Introduction: Anatomy, being a highly visual and dynamic-experiential course, favours video based teaching toa larger extent. On the other hand, preparing a gross anatomy video is challenging, considering the cognitiveload it imposes.Aim: To investigate the utility and acceptance of video-based learning approach among the first year medicalstudents and its optimal curricular implementation.Materials and Methods: In this pilot initiative, we designed a two-stage revision method in head and neckregional anatomy teaching. To reinforce gross anatomy knowledge, we displayed the videos prepared by us inconcordance with the learning objectives. We conducted a questionnaire based survey to determine the effectsof these videos on anatomy learning. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to quantify the received responses.Results: Out of 100 students, who gave feedback on voluntary basis, 48 students agreed and 24 strongly agreedthat the videos were adequately representing the structures they have seen in the dissection hall. 40 students feltthat displaying the structures along with description provided by the teacher after completion of dissection ofthat region, has affected their positive learning. 28 agreed and 21 strongly agreed that the videos helped them inrepeating and reinforcing the structures. 79 students agreed that the quality of the video demonstrated weregood to appreciate the structures and 91 students accepted to extend the video-based demonstration to otherregions of gross Anatomy as well.Conclusion: Incorporating videos would contribute to the success of a subset of students by reinforcing grossanatomy learning. We suggest that developing user friendly videos which maintains optimal cognitive load iscritical in enhancing student engagement and knowledge retention.

Estimation of occupational formaldehyde exposure in cadaver dissection laboratory and its implications / 대한해부학회지

Experience of first year medical students in dissection hall

Background: Dissection of human cadavers has been central part of medical education since renaissance. Dissection has also been labelled as the royal road and cadaver as the first patient. First year medical students when encounter human cadavers for first time, faces a variety of emotional reactions and mixed feeling. Aim and objectives: For the assessment of impact of anxiety and physical symptoms from the experience of dissection hall, we prepared questionnaires to see whether emotional stress can be diminished and obsereved changes in feeling and attitude in first year medical students. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted on 180 first year medical students over 2 years (Batch 2013 and 2014) at Darbhanga medical college, Laheriasarai, Bihar, India. All the students were given 3 sets of questionnaire. The students were asked the answer in either yes or no. Results: The difference in the rate of anxiety initially and 3 months later was significant. Conclusion: For improving the attitude of the students towards cadaveric dissection there must be better teacher-students interaction which in turn will help in improving their mental status to handle the highest level of stress in clinical carrier.

Effect of formalin vapours on pulmonary functions of medical students in anatomy dissection hall over a period of one year.

Formalin is extensively used for preservation of cadavers in department of Anatomy. However it is a noxious chemical which vaporises at normal room temperature in the air and may cause respiratory health problems among first year medical students. The study was planned to observe the effect of formalin vapours on lung function tests of first year medical students who are exposed routinely for 2 hrs every day for 6 days per week throughout the year. Following written informed consent clinically healthy 100 medical students between age group 18-23 yrs were subjected to pulmonary function testing by computerised spirometery. The dynamic lung function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF25-75, PEFR) were measured on four occasions-basal (before exposure), 1 month, 6 months, 11 months of exposure to formalin vapours in anatomy dissection hall. The study revealed statistically significant (P<0.0001) decreases in FVC, FEV1%, FEF25-75, PEFR except FEV1 after 1 month of exposure to anatomy dissection hall. The decrease in all the parameters slowly reverted back towards normal basal values across 6 and 11 months and was statistically significant in all (P<0.0001) except FVC. Acute exposure to formalin vapours at anatomy dissection hall decreases the respiratory functions, however on long term exposure the body corrects the damage. Further studies are required to see the changes at cellular levels and the extent of damage to respiratory system.