Evolving strategies in whirlwind mode: The changing face of anatomy education during Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic stipulated adoption of unfamiliar strategies for delivering anatomy education in online mode. The factors which determine education strategies are variable across geographical regions. It was perceived that an overview of education strategies around the globe would be useful for anatomists. Hence this narrative review was undertaken to collate observations from different geographical regions pertaining to education strategies adopted during the pandemic. Data relevant to the topic of study were extracted from 12 articles that were selected from an initial pool of 317 articles based on search criteria set for the review. Subtle differences in core education strategies implied that baseline response from anatomists was similar across regions. It was evident that online digital tools were key elements of education strategies adopted by educators for delivering online anatomy classes across the globe. Interestingly, a considerable gap in terms of number and variety of online tools used for anatomy education (those requiring commercial purchase) was noted between economically developed and developing regions. This may have an impact on learning outcome for students and may even lead to variations in anatomical knowledge by regions. It was observed that offline human dissection sessions were incorporated into online practical classes in one region as positive cases showed a declining trend. This positive development is worth emulating elsewhere based on cautious assessment of prevailing situation. From a broad perspective timely introduction of education strategies ensured delivery of anatomy education during the pandemic and gave an evolved outlook to the fabric of anatomy education.

Lacunae regarding dearth of dissection-based teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: how to cope with it?

INTRODUCTION: In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, anatomy education programs were amended so as to shift to primarily online mode from physical classes. In the whole process, main concern area that has emerged is regarding dearth of physical human dissection sessions. There is enough evidence available in literature to suggest that dissection room is an ideal place to cultivate and inculcate discipline independent skills or humanistic skills among the students. These include attributes in relation to ethical practice, professionalism, communication skills, empathy and compassion. Imbibing these skills are an essential element of medical education curriculum as it is desirable that students exhibit these traits when they begin medical practice. Hence deficiency in terms of exposure to physical dissection sessions can adversely affect training of medical students on a long term. METHODS: A literature search of relevant, peer-reviewed, published articles was undertaken from indexed databases (Medline and PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for this study. RESULTS: To counter the pertinent issue in online anatomy teaching program, a few measures have been suggested in this paper based on identification of actual deficit areas in terms of learning and analysis thereof. Live streaming of real time dissection, awareness sessions on human dissection, online interactive learning sessions and reflective thoughts-based exercise can contribute to building discipline independent skills in present scenario. CONCLUSION: Incorporation and implementation of these interventions within the realm of online anatomy education programs during COVID-19 pandemic can possibly contribute towards desirable learning outcomes.

Peoples' understanding, acceptance, and perceived challenges of vaccination against COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Bangladesh.

In order to eliminate COVID-19, many countries provided vaccinations. However, success depends on peoples' knowledge levels and rates of acceptance. But, previous research on this topic is currently lacking in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study aimed at to investigate Bangladeshi peoples' knowledge, acceptance, and perception of challenges regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Quantitative data were collected using an online survey (n = 1975) and face-to-face interviews (n = 2200) with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. In addition, seven open-ended interviews were conducted with health experts regarding challenges of vaccination. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between explanatory and dependent variables. Effect size was estimated to understand the magnitude of relationship between two variables. Of 4175 respondents, 92.6% knew about COVID-19 vaccines, while only 37.4% believed vaccines to be effective in controlling COVID-19. Nearly 46% of respondents believed that COVID-19 vaccines have side-effects, and 16.4% of respondents believed that side-effects could be life-threatening. Only 60.5% of respondents indicated that they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of 1650 respondents (39.5%) who did not intend to receive the vaccine, 948 (57.4%) believed that they would be naturally protected. Regressions results indicated that men had higher rates of knowledge regarding the vaccine. In addition, rural respondents demonstrated lower knowledge regarding the vaccine. Furthermore, education had a significant association with knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines. Respondents with university education had more knowledge regarding the vaccine (Odds ratio, OR = 29.99; 95% confidence interval, CI 11.40-78.90, effect size 1.88; p = 0.01) and correct dosage (OR 27.34; 95% CI 15.25-49.00, effect size 1.83; p = 0.01). However, women (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.96-1.40, effect size 0.08) and rural (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07-1.44, effect size 0.12; p = 0.01) respondents were more enthusiastic regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Higher educated respondents showed higher probability of receiving the vaccine. Those who believed in the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine were 11.57 times more interested (OR 11.57; 95% CI 8.92-15.01, effect size 1.35; p = 0.01) in receiving the vaccine. Open-ended interviews identified several challenges toward successful COVID-19 vaccination. Mass awareness creation, uninterrupted supply, equitable distribution, and sectoral coordination were suggested to achieve at least 70% immunization across the country.