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Utomo R, McWatt SC, Talis A, Xiao QY, Saraci K, Waschke J, Sigmund AM, Gill Sagoo M, Wingate R, Brassett C, Chien CL, Traxler H, Sakurai T, Zeroual M, Olsen J, El-Batti S, Viranta-Kovanen S, Yamada Y, Keay KA, Kitahara S, Stewart W, Mao Y, Lang A, Kunzel C, Bernd P, Patel S, Buehler L, Kielstein H, Preker A, Hardy MA, Noël GPJC, Wu A. Health profession students' outlooks on the medical profession during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global perspective. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024; 17:154-168. [PMID: 37213185 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2023.2214391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article summarizes a global study of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior health professions students' outlook on medicine. The pandemic has significantly affected health professions education. There is limited understanding of how students' pandemic experiences will affect them, and what impact these events may have on their career paths or the future of the professions. This information is important as it impacts the future of medicine. METHODS In the Fall 2020 semester, 219 health professions students at 14 medical universities worldwide responded to the question: 'Has this experience (with COVID-19) changed your outlook on medicine as a profession?'. Short essay responses were semantically coded and organized into themes and subthemes using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS 145 responses were submitted. Themes were identified: (1) students reflected on the interaction between politics and healthcare; (2) reported becoming more aware of the societal expectations placed on healthcare professionals, including undertaking high risks and the sacrifices that healthcare professionals must make; (3) found reassurance from the recognized importance of healthcare professionals and expressed pride to be entering the profession; and (4) reflected on the current state of healthcare, including its limitations and future. CONCLUSION Most students, independent of the extent of the pandemic in their respective countries, noted a change in their outlook regarding medicine. An overall positive outlook was noted in most junior students. Educators need to work on nurturing these sentiments and attitudes to help young students maintain a healthy relationship towards their chosen profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Utomo
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean C McWatt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Austin Talis
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Que Yun Xiao
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerstin Saraci
- Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Waschke
- Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Madgalena Sigmund
- Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Mandeep Gill Sagoo
- Department of Anatomy and Centre for Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Wingate
- Department of Anatomy and Centre for Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Cecilia Brassett
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chung-Liang Chien
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hannes Traxler
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mina Zeroual
- Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jorgen Olsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Salma El-Batti
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Yukari Yamada
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kevin A Keay
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Faculty of Advanced Techno-Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William Stewart
- Anatomy Section, Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yinghui Mao
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ariella Lang
- Columbia College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carol Kunzel
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paulette Bernd
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Snehal Patel
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leo Buehler
- Department of Surgery, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Heike Kielstein
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Preker
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark A Hardy
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffroy P J C Noël
- Anatomy Division, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anette Wu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Willoughby BR, Flack NAMS, Bird RJ, Woodley SJ. Motivation to learn in university science students studying anatomy: A mixed-methods analysis of what drives learning. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:818-830. [PMID: 38563462 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Exploring student motivation to learn is a research area that has rapidly expanded over the past decade, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to influence education. In the field of anatomy, most research about motivation to learn targets medical and other health professional students, but little is known about factors that drive students enrolled in science degrees. The aims of this mixed-methods study were to determine: (1) what motivates undergraduate university science students to learn anatomy, and whether motivation differs between cohorts (second- and third-year) and gender; and (2) the impact of COVID-19 on motivation to learn. Students (n = 171) completed a survey (the Science Motivation Questionnaire II [SMQII] and questions about learning experiences during the pandemic) and a subset (n = 12) participated in focus groups/interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using a combination of parametric and non-parametric statistics, and a general inductive approach was applied to qualitative data. Grade, intrinsic, and career factors were consistently identified as the key components of motivation. No statistically significant differences were found for motivation components between level of study or gender. Students reported that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted motivational components, but it had also fast-tracked the development of online learning, with both positive and negative connotations. Students value traditional in-person lectures but support a blended approach of traditional and online teaching methods for learning anatomy. Educators should utilize these findings when considering how to teach and support science students in ways that embrace motivational components to foster success in those studying anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca J Bird
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Helms JT, Johnson KM, Ball JL. A Comparative Analysis of Physical Therapy Anatomical Knowledge and Retention: Human Donor Dissection Versus Virtual Laboratory. JOURNAL, PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION 2024; 38:107-115. [PMID: 38758175 DOI: 10.1097/jte.0000000000000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a long history of using human donor dissection (HDD) for physical therapy (PT) anatomy education, there are no PT guidelines that require HDD. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if Doctor of Physical Therapy students who used HDD had different grades both within anatomy and within courses that require retention and application of anatomical knowledge (kinesiology and a foundational musculoskeletal course) compared with those who used virtual 3-dimensional anatomical software (VAS). REVIEW OF LITERATURE Numerous factors affect the decision to use HDD within PT anatomy, and few PT studies have compared the effectiveness of VAS to HDD. SUBJECTS All students who took anatomy in an entry-level PT program from 2018 to 2021 (232 total students, 115 who used HDD in 2018-2019 and 117 who used VAS in 2020-2021). METHODS Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare anatomy grades (course, written examination, and practical examination) and future grades in kinesiology and a foundational musculoskeletal course for students who used HDD or VAS. RESULTS Physical therapy students who used VAS had statistically significant higher anatomy course grades (VAS 93.81% ± 4.99% to HDD 92.20% ± 4.53%) and higher practical examination grades (VAS 97.43% ± 2.91% to HDD 93.55% ± 4.39%) compared with those who used HDD. However, there were no significant differences between groups on written anatomy examinations (VAS 89.42% ± 7.21% to HDD 90.40% ± 4.94%), kinesiology grades (VAS 91.86% ± 4.52% to HDD 92.80% ± 4.27%), or foundational musculoskeletal grades (VAS 89.50% ± 3.89% to HDD 89.77% ± 3.83%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The causal-comparative study design prevents concluding that PT student grade differences were due exclusively to either anatomy laboratory method. It does provide preliminary evidence that the PT anatomy laboratory method did not practically affect anatomy performance or long-term application of anatomy knowledge in future coursework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeb T Helms
- Jeb T. Helms is a clinical associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northern Arizona University, Room 102, Building 066, Health Professions Building, 208 E Pine Knoll Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 . Please address all correspondence to Jeb Helms
- Kristen M. Johnson is an associate professor and the director of curriculum and assessment in the College of Health and Society in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Hawaii Pacific University
- Jamie L. Ball is a research and dissertation faculty member at Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies Online
| | - Kristen M Johnson
- Jeb T. Helms is a clinical associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northern Arizona University, Room 102, Building 066, Health Professions Building, 208 E Pine Knoll Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 . Please address all correspondence to Jeb Helms
- Kristen M. Johnson is an associate professor and the director of curriculum and assessment in the College of Health and Society in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Hawaii Pacific University
- Jamie L. Ball is a research and dissertation faculty member at Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies Online
| | - Jamie L Ball
- Jeb T. Helms is a clinical associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Northern Arizona University, Room 102, Building 066, Health Professions Building, 208 E Pine Knoll Drive, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 . Please address all correspondence to Jeb Helms
- Kristen M. Johnson is an associate professor and the director of curriculum and assessment in the College of Health and Society in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Hawaii Pacific University
- Jamie L. Ball is a research and dissertation faculty member at Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies Online
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Hussain I, Dsouza C, Yip SWL, Flynn M, Rashid MA. #Anatomynotes: A temporal content analysis of anatomy education posts on Instagram. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:227-238. [PMID: 37943092 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Social media platforms such as Instagram are becoming increasingly popular sources for students to access anatomy educational resources. This review used content analysis to examine posts under the hashtag #anatomynotes and is the first to map the characteristics of anatomy education posts on Instagram and determine any temporal changes. Sample posts were gathered from April 2019 and April 2021 and categorized according to the technical format, purpose and author credentials. Engagement was recorded in the form of likes and comments. Overall, posts depicting illustrations remained the most popular format within both time periods. Three-dimensional models saw an increase in popularity with a 62.5% rise. Students remained the most common author type throughout and increased further in 2021 by 25%. Clinician authors and posts focusing on clinical education also increased in 2021 by 17.9% and 227%, respectively. Humor-based posts saw the greatest increase among the post purposes, with 1000% more recorded in 2021. Engagement overall saw a decline with notably significant reductions in average likes per post among all text-based posts (-72%, p < 0.0001), all illustrative posts (-51%, p = 0.0013), and a decline in the presence of comments among all text-based posts (-65.1%, p = 0.0158). These findings highlight that Instagram is a popular platform for facilitating near-peer teaching while increasingly providing a space where students and clinicians can interact. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of the platform for visually focused learners. However, future research should seek to determine whether Instagram can facilitate deeper learning and have an impact on academic and clinical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ciana Dsouza
- Medical School, King's College London, GKT School of Medical Education, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew Flynn
- Medical School, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Rashid
- Centre for International Medical Education Collaborations, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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5
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Liang CG, Matsunaga M, Takakusagi M, DeMeo J, Thompson JD, Rettenmeier C, Aytaç G, Lee UY, Lozanoff S. A comparison of pre- and post-clinical education learning preferences among medical students who elected to dissect compared to those who did not during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:396-412. [PMID: 38053470 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Anatomy instructional methods varied widely during the COVID-19 pandemic and programs are assessing innovations for retention. Learning preferences were assessed among medical students dichotomized as elective dissectors (ED) or non-dissectors (ND) during the COVID-19 partial re-opening in 2020 (preclinical) and again in 2022 after clinical exposure (post-clinical) to assess the viability of elective dissection post-pandemic. A mixed-method approach was used for the assessment of test scores, learning preference surveys, learning activities rankings, and thematic analyses. No significant differences occurred in anatomy examination scores. Dissection was considered useful by both preclinical groups but significantly more so by ED, while the presence of an instructor was significantly preferred by ED although a majority of ND agreed. Elective dissection was significantly preferred by ND but also by a large minority of ED students. Pre- and post-clinical ND believed that elective dissection offered more academic flexibility, did not hinder clinical learning, and did not negatively impact medical education. The corresponding ED stated that confidence improved, clinical experiences were enhanced, and dissection was irreplaceable. Preclinical ND preferred self-learning, while ED students preferred online learning, but these differences largely disappeared post-clinically. Learning activity rankings were not significantly different among all groups (ND, ED, preclinical, and post-clinical). A hybrid laboratory with a virtual learning environment ranked highest across groups and preferences increased over time suggesting that students benefited from this instructional method during clinical exposure. The absence of laboratory experience ranked lowest, and preference decreased over time suggesting that anatomy dissection is valued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin G Liang
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Masako Matsunaga
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Melia Takakusagi
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - J DeMeo
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Jesse D Thompson
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Christoph Rettenmeier
- University of Hawai'i/Queens's Medical Center (UH/QMC) MRI Research Center, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Güneş Aytaç
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - U-Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Scott Lozanoff
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Anderson H, Weil JA, Tucker RP, Gross DS. Impact of gross anatomy laboratory on student written examination performance: A 3-year study of a large-enrollment undergraduate anatomy course. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:114-127. [PMID: 37602570 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of the various pedagogies that are used in human anatomy laboratories has been extensively debated. Nevertheless, an important question remains relatively unexamined-how the learning experience in the anatomy laboratory impacts students' mastery and application of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting. In this study, the effect of a prosection-based anatomy laboratory on overall comprehension and mastery of anatomical knowledge was evaluated in an upper division undergraduate anatomy curriculum that consists of a mandatory lecture course and an optional laboratory course. This flexible curricular structure permitted assessing the merit of laboratory learning on the written examination performance of the lecture course. In 2019 and 2022, the anatomy laboratory was taught in-person using prosections, while in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic related regulations, it was taught remotely with live-streaming of prosections using document cameras. In both in-person and remote instructive formats, written examination scores of the lecture course were compared between two cohorts of students: Those enrolled in lecture only and those enrolled in both lecture and laboratory. Results showed that the cohort enrolled in both lecture and laboratory courses consistently outperformed the lecture-only cohort by one full letter grade. Furthermore, when the degrees of improvement on written examination scores were compared between the two instructive formats, in-person laboratory had a greater increase compared to remote laboratory. Altogether this study demonstrates that the prosection-based anatomy laboratory enhances students' mastery of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting by promoting comprehension of spatial relationships of anatomical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Anderson
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Weil
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- School of Health Professions, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Richard P Tucker
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Douglas S Gross
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Wang CY, Yin T, Ma KH, Shyu JF, Cheng CP, Wang YC, Huang YL, Chiang MH. Enhancing anatomy education through cooperative learning: harnessing virtual reality for effective gross anatomy learning. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2023; 24:e00100-23. [PMID: 38108010 PMCID: PMC10720469 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00100-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The advent of virtual reality (VR) in education offers unique possibilities for facilitating cooperative learning strategies, particularly in fields demanding intricate spatial understanding, such as gross anatomy. This study investigates the impact of integrating cooperative learning strategies within a VR-based gross anatomy curriculum, focusing on enhancing students' anatomy knowledge and skills. We analyzed the performance of two cohorts of first-year nursing students across five semesters (2016-2020), where traditional learning methods were used in the first three semesters (2016-2018), and a VR-based cooperative learning approach was adopted in the last two semesters (2019-2020). Our findings suggest that the VR-based cooperative learning group achieved significantly higher scores in their gross anatomy laboratory courses compared to their counterparts learning through traditional methods. This research provides valuable insights into how the integration of VR technology and cooperative learning strategies can not only enhance learning outcomes but also improve the VR learning experience by reducing motion sickness. It accentuates the potential of VR-based cooperative learning as an impactful educational tool in anatomy education. Future research should further explore the optimal integration of VR and cooperative learning strategies in diverse course types and their potential to enhance educational outcomes and the learning experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ying Wang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ti Yin
- Nursing Department, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Fwu Shyu
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Pi Cheng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiao Wang
- Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ling Huang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsien Chiang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Higher Education SPROUT Project Office, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Miltykh I, Kafarov ES, Covantsev S, Dadashev AS, Skarlis AA, Zenin OK. A new dimension in medical education: Virtual reality in anatomy during COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Anat 2023; 36:1007-1015. [PMID: 37485993 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality technology has been increasingly used in the field of anatomy education, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual reality in anatomy (VRA) allows the creation of immersive, three-dimensional environments or experiences that can interact in a seemingly real or physical way. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. The search included studies published between 2020 and June 2023. The use of VRA education has been shown to be effective in improving students' understanding and retention of knowledge, as well as developing practical skills such as surgical techniques. VRA can allow students to visualize and interact with complex structures and systems in a way that is not possible with traditional methods. It can also provide a safe and ethical alternative to cadavers, which may be in short supply or have access restrictions. Additionally, VRA can be used to create customized learning experiences, allowing students to focus on specific areas of anatomy or to repeat certain exercises as needed. However, there are also limitations to the use of VRA education, including cost and the need for specialized equipment and training, as well as concerns about the realism and accuracy of VRA models. To fully utilize the potential of VRA education, it is important for educators to carefully consider the appropriate use of VR and to continuously evaluate its effectiveness. It is important for educators to carefully consider the appropriate use of VRA and to continuously evaluate its effectiveness to fully utilize its potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia Miltykh
- Department of Human Anatomy, Penza State University, Penza, Russia
- Θ.Υ.Ε.∑.Π.Α. Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Edgar S Kafarov
- Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy with Operative Surgery, Chechen State University, Grozny, Russia
| | - Serghei Covantsev
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Botkin Hospital, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ali S Dadashev
- Department of Normal and Topographic Anatomy with Operative Surgery, Chechen State University, Grozny, Russia
| | - Apostolos A Skarlis
- Data Protection Officer, National Center of Emergency Healthcare, Athens, Greece
- School of Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Oleg K Zenin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Penza State University, Penza, Russia
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Kim DH. Distance versus face-to-face education of gross anatomy for dental hygiene students: Perceptions and academic achievements of learners. Clin Anat 2023; 36:1016-1026. [PMID: 37476934 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The provision of distance education has increased rapidly over the past few years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The core of gross anatomy distance education is three-dimensional (3D) visualization of anatomical structures, and the use of simple 3D visualization tools has increased as distance education has become more popular. The purpose of this study was to establish a more effective operation plan in dental hygiene by investigating learners' opinions about distance education of gross anatomy and 3D visualization tools, and by comparing and analyzing their academic achievements. The study involved 250 students and comprised an analysis of 120 students who took a head and neck anatomy class at the Department of Dental Hygiene at D University via distance learning during 2020-2022, and 130 graduates who had completed the class via face-to-face learning during 2015-2017. An online survey of 120 of the enrolled students comprised 10 questions asking for opinions on the head and neck anatomy distance learning classes, five questions on the 3D visualization tool, and five on general characteristics. Overall, the learners had positive perceptions of distance education for head and neck anatomy and the 3D visualization tool. Among the education methods compared, they generally preferred blended learning (n = 47, 39.2%). There was a significant preference for the distance learning method of asynchronous classes (n = 86, 94.5%). Analysis of academic achievements according to whether or not distance education was conducted revealed a significantly higher score in the face-to-face class group (P < 0.05). A blended learning method can be effective in increasing learner satisfaction and improving academic achievement in gross anatomy classes on dental hygiene. It is suggested that theoretical material should be learned through asynchronous content and knowledge expanded through small-group activities during face-to-face learning. This will help establish a standard model for teaching of gross anatomy in dental hygiene in the postpandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Hye Kim
- Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Bio-Health Convergence, Dongseo University, Busan, South Korea
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Wu A, McWatt SC, Utomo R, Talis A, Xiao QY, Saraci K, Brassett C, Sagoo MG, Wingate R, Chien CL, Traxler H, Waschke J, Vielmuth F, Sigmund A, Yamada Y, Sakurai T, Zeroual M, Olsen J, El-Batti S, Viranta-Kovanen S, Keay K, Stewart W, Mao Y, Lang A, Kunzel C, Bernd P, Kielstein H, Noël GPJC. A thematic analysis of students' discussions on death and body donation in international online focus groups. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2023. [PMID: 36883007 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Historically, Anatomy education is an in-person discipline involving exposure to human body donors that facilitates personal and professional growth through, in part, the initiation of reflection on the topic of death. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic the decreased exposure to cadaveric anatomy for many health professions students may have influenced the depth of their individual reflections on this topic. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an alternate approach-focus group discussions between peers with varying degrees of exposure to cadaveric material-that may offer one strategy to stimulate deep reflection on the topic of death. A programmatic intervention was introduced, wherein students (n = 221) from 13 international universities discussed differences in their anatomy courses during small focus group sessions as part of an online exchange program. An inductive semantic thematic analysis was conducted on responses to an open-ended text-response question on how the activity influenced students' reflections about death. Resulting themes were organized into categories that described the content and topics of the students' discussions as they grappled with this sensitive topic. The students reportedly engaged in deep reflection and expressed an increased sense of connectedness with their peers, despite their disparate exposure levels to cadaveric anatomy and being physically distanced. This demonstrates that focus groups with students experiencing different laboratory contexts can be used to help all students reflect on the topic of death and that interchanges between dissecting and non-dissecting students can initiate thoughts about death and body donation among non-dissecting students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Wu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sean C McWatt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Utomo
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Austin Talis
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Que Yun Xiao
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kerstin Saraci
- Institute of Anatomy, Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Cecilia Brassett
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mandeep Gill Sagoo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Centre for Education, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Wingate
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Centre for Education, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chung-Liang Chien
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hannes Traxler
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jens Waschke
- Institute of Anatomy, Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Fransziska Vielmuth
- Institute of Anatomy, Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Sigmund
- Institute of Anatomy, Vegetative Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yukari Yamada
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakurai
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mina Zeroual
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jorgen Olsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Salma El-Batti
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Kevin Keay
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William Stewart
- Anatomy Section, Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yinghui Mao
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ariella Lang
- Columbia College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carol Kunzel
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Paulette Bernd
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Heike Kielstein
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Geoffroy P J C Noël
- Anatomy Division, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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11
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Messerer DAC, Behr JL, Kraft SF, Schön M, Horneffer A, Kühl SJ, Benedikt Seifert L, Huber-Lang M, Böckers TM, Böckers A. The gross anatomy course: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-related effects on students' learning, interest in peer-teaching, and students' perception of its importance. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022. [PMID: 36564994 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic required adjustments and limitations in university teaching, thereby challenging teaching concepts in anatomy requiring in-person contact, including the gross anatomy course. Therefore, the present study investigates the impact of COVID-19-associated adjustments on students' perception of the gross anatomy course's importance and quality, students' preferred learning setting and outcome, and their motivation to involve themselves in academic activities, including becoming a future peer-teacher of the course. Using paper-based questionnaires in Ulm, Germany, 397 (response rate: 82.3%) students of the winter term of 2020/2021 were surveyed using quantitative and qualitative items, which were compared with cohorts prior to the pandemic. Students reported a higher global rating on course quality during COVID-19 (pre-COVID-19: 5.3 ± 0.9, during-COVID-19: 5.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001; 1 = very bad, 6 = very good). Students' perceived importance of the gross anatomy course showed a small but significant increase (pre-COVID-19: 4.2 ± 0.6, during-COVID-19: 4.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.001; 1 = strongly disagree, 6 = strongly agree). Students' motivation to apply as a peer-teacher remained stable, nevertheless, they reported less interest in transferring their knowledge to junior students. Finally, students reported that they spent significantly more learning time alone and their examination grades remained unchanged during the pandemic. Astonishingly, despite radical changes of the teaching environment due to COVID-19, students appreciate the offered teaching and highly valued the gross anatomy course.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Alexander Christian Messerer
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Lukas Behr
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sophie Felice Kraft
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid Horneffer
- Office of the Dean of Studies, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Julia Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lukas Benedikt Seifert
- Department of Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial, and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Maria Böckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Office of the Dean of Studies, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Böckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Kennedy M, Loftus M, Lafferty T, Hilliard C, Reaper-Reynolds S, O'Donnell C. Reimagining a children's palliative care educational programme for registered nurses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2022; 119:105569. [PMID: 36155211 PMCID: PMC9487166 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with life-limiting conditions are a unique population with multiple health and social care needs. Key literature indicates the need for education to support registered nurses providing care, including palliative care, to these children. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a palliative care programme was converted to an online programme, adopting a blended approach between national and regional facilitators. OBJECTIVES To assess nurses' satisfaction with a re-designed palliative care programme centred around the care of children with life-limiting conditions, including their perceptions of the online format. DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive correlational design and online survey was used to explore the participants' perception of the content and online delivery of the Care of the Child with a Life-Limiting Condition programme. Nine sessions, comprised of five national and four regional webinars, were delivered. RESULTS Attendees registered (n = 169) from throughout the Republic of Ireland, with 130 attending all webinars. Attendees stated online delivery of education increased their accessibility to highly qualified experts. The short, concise nature of sessions was well received. Online delivery and recorded sessions contributed to convenience with the ability to access and process information in attendees' own time being welcomed. However, the negative impact of losing face-to-face interactions was noted, including the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues caring for children with life-limiting conditions. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the redesigned online programme contributed to participants' knowledge, encouraged participation and increased accessibility. An e-Learning model enables specialised education to be more equitable and accessible, ensuring regional areas are not disadvantaged due to geographical remoteness from tertiary educational centres. However, the lack of face-to-face contact was acknowledged as a hindrance to socialisation and networking. When developing future programmes, focus should be put on creating opportunities for networking and social development to compensate for the lack of face-to-face contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kennedy
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Mairéad Loftus
- Centre of Nurse & Midwifery Education Mayo/Roscommon, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
| | - Tricia Lafferty
- Centre of Nursing & Midwifery Education Donegal, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
| | - Carol Hilliard
- Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
| | | | - Carmel O'Donnell
- Centre of Children's Nurse Education, Children's Health Irealand (CHI), Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
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13
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Xiao J, Evans DJR. Anatomy education beyond the Covid-19 pandemic: A changing pedagogy. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:1138-1144. [PMID: 36066879 PMCID: PMC9538031 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has induced multifaceted changes in anatomical education. There has been a significant increase in the employment of digital technologies coupled with the upskilling of educators' capacity and altered attitudes toward the digitalization process. While challenges remain, learners have demonstrated capabilities to adapt to digital delivery, engagement and assessment. With alternative and innovative teaching and learning strategies having been trialed and implemented for almost two years, the key question now is what the pedagogy will be for anatomy education beyond the pandemic. Here we discuss some of the changes in anatomy education that have taken place as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and importantly present some outlooks for evidence-based anatomy pedagogy as the world enters the post-pandemic phase and beyond. The authors conclude that the anatomy discipline is ready to further modernize and has the opportunity to use digital technologies to evolve and enhance anatomy education to ensure students are provided with the learning experience which will prepare them best for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Science and BioStatistics, School of Health SciencesSwinburne University of TechnologyHawthornVictoriaAustralia
- School of Allied HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Darrell J. R. Evans
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingThe University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Rural MedicineUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleNew South WalesAustralia
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14
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Xiao J, Adnan S. Flipped anatomy classroom integrating multimodal digital resources shows positive influence upon students' experience and learning performance. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:1086-1102. [PMID: 35751579 PMCID: PMC9796349 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Anatomy is shifting toward a greater focus on adopting digital delivery. To advance digital and authentic learning in anatomy, a flipped classroom model integrating multimodal digital resources and a multimedia group assignment was designed and implemented for first-year neuroanatomy and third-year regional anatomy curricula. A five-point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted for a total of 145 undergraduate health science students to evaluate students' perception of the flipped classroom model and digital resources. This study revealed that over two-thirds of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the flipped classroom model helped their independent learning and understanding of difficult anatomy concepts. The response showed students consistently enjoyed their experience of using multimodal digital anatomy resources. Both first-year (75%) and third-year (88%) students strongly agreed or agreed that digital tools are very valuable and interactive for studying anatomy. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that digital anatomy tools increased their learning experience (~80%) and confidence (> 70%). The third-year students rated the value of digital anatomy tools significantly higher than the first-year students (p = 0.0038). A taxonomy-based assessment strategy revealed that the third-year students, but not the first-year, demonstrated improved performance in assessments relating to clinical application (p = 0.045). In summary, a flipped anatomy classroom integrating multimodal digital approaches exerted positive impact upon learning experience of both junior and senior students, the latter of whom demonstrated improved learning performance. This study extends the pedagogy innovation of flipped classroom teaching, which will advance future anatomy curriculum development, pertinent to post-pandemic education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health SciencesSwinburne University of TechnologyHawthornVictoriaAustralia
- School of Allied HealthLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Sharmeen Adnan
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health SciencesSwinburne University of TechnologyHawthornVictoriaAustralia
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15
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Gasmalla HEE, Mossa AH, Taha MH, Wadi MM, Shehzad K, Abdalla ME, Hadie SNH. Promoting more future-ready anatomy education after the Covid-19 pandemic: A scoping review. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:1120-1137. [PMID: 36205041 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic caused an abrupt transition from face-to-face to online anatomy teaching, learning, and assessment. Although online education has ensured the continuity of anatomy education during the pandemic, its implementation has been challenging, and its effectiveness has been questioned. Therefore, literature pertinent to online anatomy education during the pandemic is crucial to explain Covid-19's disruptions to this field. Accordingly, this scoping review explored changes, disruptions, and gaps in anatomy teaching and assessment during Covid-19 using an enhanced version of Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage protocol. Five online databases were searched for articles that described changes and disruptions in anatomy education. Three independent researchers were involved in titles, abstracts, and full texts screening, while another four researchers were independently involved in data extraction, charting, and synthesis. This review revealed six themes: immediate strategic plans and actions, teaching and learning changes, online assessment practice, students' and educators' receptivity and adaptability, online learning and assessment effects, and future directions. It also revealed four gaps: non-future-ready curricula, learning obstacles, administrative and teaching challenges, and online education ethical issues. The results were reported in tabular and narrative forms, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR guidelines). Understanding the evolution and gaps in anatomy education during the Covid-19 pandemic will help anatomists design future-ready, adaptable curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosam Eldeen Elsadig Gasmalla
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Al Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Abubakr H Mossa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed H Taha
- Medical Education Centre and College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Majed M Wadi
- Department of Medical Education, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Shehzad
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Qassim College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Elhassan Abdalla
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
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16
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Stone D, Longhurst GJ, Dulohery K, Campbell T, Richards A, O’Brien D, Franchi T, Hall S, Border S. A Multicentre Analysis of Approaches to Learning and Student Experiences of Learning Anatomy Online. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR 2022; 32:1117-1130. [PMID: 36160292 PMCID: PMC9483883 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-022-01633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The approaches to learning students adopt when learning anatomy online could yield important lessons for educators. Dissection room teaching can encourage students to adopt a deep approach to learning anatomy. It was therefore hypothesized that the proportion of students adopting a deep approach to learning would be lower in a population learning anatomy online. This research aims to investigate the experiences of students learning anatomy online during the COVID-19 pandemic and the approaches to learning they adopted. METHODS A survey was distributed to medical students at 7 universities across the UK and Ireland. The survey included two previously validated questionnaires: Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students and Anatomy Learning Experience Questionnaire. RESULTS The analysis included 224 unique student responses. Students' approach to learning mirrored reports from previous studies conducted during face-to-face tuition with 44.3% adopting deep, 40.7% strategic, 11.4% surface, and 3.6% combined learning approaches. The university (p = 0.019) and changes to formative (p = 0.016) and summative (p = 0.009) assessments significantly impacted approach to learning. Students reported that online resources were effective but highlighted the need for clearer guidance on how to find and use them successfully. CONCLUSION It is important to highlight that students value in-person opportunities to learn from human cadaveric material and hence dissection room sessions should remain at the forefront of anatomical education. It is recommended that future online and/or blended provisions of anatomy teaching include varied resources that maximize engagement with media featuring cadaveric specimens. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01633-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya Stone
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9PX UK
| | - Georga J. Longhurst
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St George’s University of London, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Kate Dulohery
- School of Medicine, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, SR1 3SD UK
| | - Thomas Campbell
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8 Ireland
| | | | - Dominic O’Brien
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9PX UK
| | - Thomas Franchi
- School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - Samuel Hall
- Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences, Southampton University, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Scott Border
- Department of Anatomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ UK
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17
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Zhang JF, Zilundu PLM, Fu R, Zheng XF, Zhou LH, Guo GQ. Medical students' perceptions and performance in an online regional anatomy course during the Covid-19 pandemic. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:928-942. [PMID: 35766990 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the students' psychological well-being, experiences, performance, and perception of learning regional anatomy remotely. A regional anatomy remote learning curriculum was designed and learning materials were delivered virtually to 120 undergraduate medical students at Jinan University, China. All the students consented and voluntarily participated in this study by completing self-administered online questionnaires including the Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales at the beginning and end of the learning session. A subset participated in focus group discussions. Most of the students (90.0%) positively evaluated the current distance learning model. More than 80% were satisfied with the content arrangement and coverage. Many students preferred virtual lectures (68.2%) and videos showing dissections (70.6%) during the distance learning sessions. However, writing laboratory reports and case-based learning were the least preferred modes of learning as they were only preferred by 23.2% and 14.1% of the students, respectively. There was no significant lockdown-related anxiety or depression reported by students using depression and anxiety scales as well as feedback from focus group discussions. The surveyed students' confidence scores in distance learning were significantly higher after 5 weeks than at the beginning of the session (3.05 ± 0.83 vs. 3.70 ± 0.71, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the present results showed no significant differences between the current group's academic performance in the unit tests as well as the final overall evaluation for different parts of the course compared to that of the previous year's cohort. The findings above were congruent with focus group discussion data that the use of the online teaching platform for regional anatomy significantly improved the students' confidence in virtual and self-directed learning and did not negatively affect their academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Feng Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Prince Last Mudenda Zilundu
- College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman Emirate, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Anatomy, Sun Yat-sen School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, Sun Yat-sen School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Feng Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Hua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Sun Yat-sen School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Qing Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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18
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Evans DJR, Pawlina W. The future of anatomy education: Learning from Covid-19 disruption. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:643-649. [PMID: 35656637 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Darrell J R Evans
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wojciech Pawlina
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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19
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Yun YH, Jo DH, Jeon SK, Kwon HY, Jeon YM, Shin DH, Choi HJ. The impact of the modified schedules of anatomy education on students' performance and satisfaction: Responding to COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266426. [PMID: 35404971 PMCID: PMC9000102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic substantially undermined medical education and healthcare systems. Owing to the pandemic in South Korea, most medical schools needed to be flexible when conducting online and offline classes, but the guidelines did not reflect the specificity of medical schools. This study described the impact of modified anatomy education schedules at the Seoul National University College of Medicine (SNUCM) on students' academic performance and satisfaction. METHODS Anatomy education in SNUCM is divided into three regional units (the upper and lower limbs, trunk, and head and neck). Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schedule was mixed with simultaneous and rotating schedules. The authors conducted exceptions for online lectures, cadaver dissections, and written and practical examinations in three classes of approximately 50 students each. Furthermore, the authors assessed students' performance using three sets of written and practical examinations, and students completed a questionnaire regarding modified anatomy laboratory schedules. RESULTS Despite the pandemic events in Seoul and South Korea during the laboratory sessions, all sessions were completed without any confirmed COVID-19 cases among the students, faculty, and staff. Most of the scores on the written and practical examinations significantly decreased in 2020 compared to those in 2019. However, in the trunk session that used the virtual anatomy application, the score on the practical examination in 2020 was significantly higher than that in 2019. Over 70% (79 and 77 out of 105 respondents on the upper and lower limbs and trunk, respectively) and 53% (55/105) students reported that there were no significant difficulties in studying anatomy in a face-to-face laboratory. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, an adequate education program for cadaver dissection should be developed and provided to overcome the pandemic restrictions. The study findings could serve as a reference for anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hyun Yun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Jo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su Kyoung Jeon
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeok Yi Kwon
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu Mi Jeon
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Haugh M, O'Tuathaigh C. Adapting for sustainability: Ensuring provision of research skills development for undergraduate medical students. CLINICAL TEACHER 2022; 19:86-91. [PMID: 35023293 DOI: 10.1111/tct.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic forced undergraduate medical students and staff to adapt and adjust to new strategies for conducting research. The aim of this study was to investigate its impact on student research opportunities across Irish and UK medical schools and how these programmes have responded, both in terms of innovation and practical solutions. METHODS A 17-item online mixed methods survey was distributed to academic staff across 31 Irish and UK medical schools. Participants were asked about (a) the effect of the pandemic on undergraduate research teaching and project opportunities, (b) measures taken to mitigate pandemic effects on these curricular elements. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise quantitative data, and free-text responses were thematically grouped. FINDINGS We received a 66.74% (n = 21) response rate to our survey. Over 75% of respondents stated that the availability of clinical research, lab-based research, summer research programmes and QI/clinical audit projects was negatively impacted by Covid-19. Mitigation strategies included adaptation and adjustment in design of research projects; migration to online content delivery and collaborative platforms; virtualisation of research dissemination opportunities; increased workload for staff involved in delivery of research programmes; flexibility around assessment of research-based assignments; and importance of open communication. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Covid-19 has affected traditional clinical research opportunities for medical students, particularly patient-facing projects, as well as laboratory-based research options. Mitigation strategies included the introduction of time- and cost-efficient virtual data collection methods. Some of these innovations have potential for ongoing and future development, but others are short-term responsive solutions that may prove less sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Haugh
- Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colm O'Tuathaigh
- Medical Education Unit, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Sarli L, Artioli G, Bogotto S, Labelli E, Pittella F, Guasconi M, De Simone R, De Luca E, Rossi S, D’Apice C. From classroom training to e-learning: a journey through the quality of learning life of nurse students in post-graduate education - A longitudinal qualitative study. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022192. [PMID: 35545973 PMCID: PMC9534212 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93is2.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background and aim: recent studies regarding COVID-19 experiences of nursing students highlighted the effect of the transition from face-to-face to online education, rather than the complexity of the overall quality of educational life. This study aim investigating of how the students perceive the quality of educational life in the forced online training, searching for any shift of meanings concerning the students learning experience, from the first phase of the sudden transition to online and the online stabilization phase. Methods: a longitudinal qualitative study, carried during two moments of the online teaching activity forced by COVID-19, the first one in May-June 2020 and the second six months later in January -February 2021. A convenience sample of 24 students attending post-graduate courses for health professions recruited at University of Parma, answered in-depth interviews, videotaped, verbatim transcribed and analyzed using the Braun and Clarke model. Results: five themes emerged from meaning shift of data collection: reactions to change in educational life; factors hindering the perception of the quality of educational life; strategies to facilitate communication and lack of the classroom; factors favoring a new quality of educational life; adaptation strategies to the new educational life. Conclusions: participants perceive advantages of online teaching, on quality of their educational life. The issue of how to create opportunities for internship period remains open. Further research to understand online internship and exploring what extent it is essential to propose it in face-to-face modality. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopoldo Sarli
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Artioli
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Sonia Bogotto
- University of Verona, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Legnago (VR), Italy, “AULSS Scaligera” (Local Health Service),Verona, Italy
| | - Elsa Labelli
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Portogruaro (VE), Italy, “AULSS Veneto Orientale” (Local Health Service), San Donà di Piave (VE), Italy
| | - Francesco Pittella
- “IRCCSPoliclinico San Donato” (Local Health Service), Health Professions Research and Development Unit,San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy
| | - Massimo Guasconi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy, “Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale” (Local Health Service) di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Enrico De Luca
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Rossi
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
| | - Clelia D’Apice
- University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Parma, Italy
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