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Rai P, Kapoor K. Receiving a donation call to dissection tables: various aspects of whole-body donation in northern union territory region medical college of India. Anat Cell Biol 2024; 57:238-245. [PMID: 38575558 PMCID: PMC11184417 DOI: 10.5115/acb.23.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Body donation is the act of giving one's body to science for study, practice, and research. This selfless act contributed to the education and training of professionals in the field of medicine. Body donation programs allow medical students to learn about the different aspects of human anatomy, perfect their dissection skills, and develop a better understanding of the relationship between structure and function in the human body. The purpose of article is to improve body donation programs which meet ethical standards and best practices. This article emphasizes the significance of body donation to teaching medical institutions by discussing various aspects of body donation to medical colleges in India and the procedural steps followed, sample proformas and the obstacles faced during the whole process. The process of body donation varies among different countries pertaining to their legal frameworks and the challenges faced. A description of the problems faced in the process of body donation has been discussed with suggestions for potential solutions in this section. The sample formats of the forms filled by donors and the certificates issued by concerned organizations are also provided to clearly understand the process of body donation. The information compiled will pave the way for medical teaching institutions that have yet to start a body donation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinki Rai
- Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kanchan Kapoor
- Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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Jones DG. Do religious and cultural considerations militate against body donation? An overview and a Christian perspective. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024. [PMID: 38634610 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The development of anatomy as a scientific undertaking appears to have left little room for religious and cultural input into the conduct of anatomical investigations. This has been brought to the fore by questionnaires regarding the willingness or otherwise of individuals to donate their bodies for dissection, with higher levels of willingness from those without religious affiliations. This has led to the assumption that there is inherent opposition to body donation by those with a religious stance, although there has been little exploration of this. This is increasingly important with growing awareness that anatomy is an international discipline, leading to increasing attention to the religious and cultural contexts within which it is practiced. There is a diversity of responses toward body donation within different countries, as well as by those influenced by Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Additionally, there are diverse cultural attitudes within Confucianism in Asia, Zulu in Africa, and Māori in New Zealand. Even those within the Christian church are influenced by a variety of values, some of which are in tension, with emphasis on the sacredness of life and the significance of burial being negative toward body donation, with informed consent and altruism pointing in a positive direction. The challenge for anatomists is to understand those within their communities, seek to appreciate their perspectives, and also make known the potential of body donation and dissection for enhancing medical practice and improving the education of future health workers.
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Meester I, Guajardo MP, Ramos ACT, Solís-Soto JM, Rojas-Martinez A. Willingness toward post-mortem body donation to science at a Mexican university: an exploratory survey. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:101. [PMID: 38007515 PMCID: PMC10675933 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00982-1] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary post-mortem donation to science (PDS) is the most appropriate source for body dissection in medical education and training, and highly useful for biomedical research. In Mexico, unclaimed bodies are no longer a legal source, but PDS is legally possible, although scarcely facilitated, and mostly ignored by the general population. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the attitude and willingness for PDS and to identify a sociodemographic profile of people with willingness toward PDS. METHODS A validated on-line survey was distributed by the convenience method via the social networks of a Catholicism-inspired, private university in northern Mexico. Frequency analyses of all variables and coded free comments were complemented with association studies. RESULTS Although the responder cohort (n = 143) was too small and biased to be representative of the university community (n = 13,500), willingness to post-mortem organ donation was 90.7% and to PDS 70.7%. In this cohort, PDS willingness had the strongest association with mature age (> 40 years old; P, 0.0008). Among young adults, willingness to PDS was the lowest among volunteers from technical and business schools and the highest among those from the social sciences (P, 0.009). Respondents from the social sciences were also the most consistent between attitude and behavior with respect to organ donation. A free comment option revealed respondents were interested in the unusual taboo topic. CONCLUSIONS A small, but sufficiently large proportion expressed willingness toward PDS. In our university cohort, which was biased in higher education and altruism, mature age and social interest were associated with PDS willingness.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Meester
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., Col. Jesús M. Garza, C.P, 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico.
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Bioética, Calzada del Valle 702, C.P, San Pedro Garza García, 66224, Mexico.
| | - M Polino Guajardo
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., Col. Jesús M. Garza, C.P, 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - A C Treviño Ramos
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte., Col. Jesús M. Garza, C.P, 66238, San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - J M Solís-Soto
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Odontology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Eduardo Aguirre y Pequeño s/n, C.P, Monterrey, 64460, Mexico
| | - A Rojas-Martinez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Bioética, Calzada del Valle 702, C.P, San Pedro Garza García, 66224, Mexico.
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud and The Institute for Obesity Research, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Ave. Morones Prieto 3000, Col. Los Doctores, C.P, Monterrey, 64710, Mexico.
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Oo EM, Saw KEE, Htun TZ, Latt ZZ. Motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge about the cadaveric body donation program among body donors in Myanmar. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2023; 16:789-801. [PMID: 37059699 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2282] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To achieve the simple goal of cadaveric body donation (CBD) program-gaining deceased donors-numerous scientific studies have been conducted, including the current study. This cross-sectional descriptive study used questionnaires to assess the motivational factors, attitudes, and knowledge of registered body donor participants toward CBD. Among 372 respondents, most (80.6%) were motivated by specific reasons such as "to save lives through medical education," "to contribute to medical research," and "to help medical students." Most respondents had good attitudes (61.7%) but poor knowledge (55.9%) about the CBD program, and there was no association among them (p = 0.08). However, the good knowledge and good attitude level were found 1.7 times (p = 0.02) and 2.4 times (p = 0.005) more, respectively, in basic-educated respondents than in highly educated respondents, implying the influence of peer conversation and message diffusion instead of knowledge or attitudes acquired through education. Additionally, 75% of respondents had co-registration within their family, peers were chosen by 66.7% of respondents as a source of information, and married respondents had 1.8 times better knowledge than unmarried respondents (p = 0.01), indicating the possibility of peer influence and growing peer communication. This study explored the poor knowledge status of registered donors, who are the cornerstone of knowledge propagation in the general population. Hence, after implementing this study, a knowledge-raising campaign for registered donors was conducted by distributing pamphlets about the CBD program, explaining keystone information, and supplementing a follow-up study. Moreover, this study will help us plan further strategies for program enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Mon Oo
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine Taunggyi, Taunggyi, Myanmar
| | - Khin Ei Ei Saw
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine Taunggyi, Taunggyi, Myanmar
| | - Thaw Zin Htun
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine Taunggyi, Taunggyi, Myanmar
| | - Zaw Zaw Latt
- Department of Anatomy, University of Medicine Taunggyi, Taunggyi, Myanmar
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Ganapathy A, Joy P, Rout S, Gaikwad M. The Attitude of Medical Students Toward Voluntary Body Donation: A Single Institute Survey and Narrative Review of Global Trends. Cureus 2023; 15:e40775. [PMID: 37485180 PMCID: PMC10362406 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Voluntary body donation (VBD) programs form the backbone of cadaveric teaching and learning in medical schools. It benefits the medical fraternity the most. Yet, there is a dearth of VBD practice among medical students. We aimed to understand the knowledge and attitude of first-year medical students in a tertiary institute with a systematic review of willingness toward VBD among undergraduate students worldwide. METHODS The first-year medical undergraduates were given a 12-item questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitude toward VBD. Statistical tests were applied to analyze the difference between the variables. We systematically searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases until October 15, 2022. Data concerning knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward VBD among undergraduates of medical backgrounds were extracted and analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS A total of 82.5% of students returned the completed responses. A significant association was seen between their attitudes toward whole body donation by strangers (p=0.043) and family members (p=0.035). The religion of the participants significantly affected their opinions on VBD and their willingness to pledge themselves (p=0.034). For the review, 20 studies were selected to be analyzed qualitatively. These studies included 4232 undergraduate students globally who were assessed for knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward VBD. Around 50% of the studies were published in India. The first study included was published in 2008. Seven studies were exclusively conducted on medical undergraduates, while the rest consisted of a mixed cohort. The attitude and knowledge of medical undergraduates on VBD were assessed via questionnaires containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. CONCLUSION Based on observations from our survey and review, we concluded that while undergraduate students have a highly positive attitude toward VBD, their rate of pledging is low. The most prominent barrier to this attitude is their experience with cadavers in the dissection hall. Hence, we recommend a revisit of cadaver handling practices and the establishment of appropriate protocols for safe and deferential cadaver handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthi Ganapathy
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Praisy Joy
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Sipra Rout
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Manisha Gaikwad
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, IND
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Human body donation and surgical training: a narrative review with global perspectives. Anat Sci Int 2023; 98:1-11. [PMID: 36227535 PMCID: PMC9845172 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Utilization of human material in surgical simulation training has been well-established as an effective teaching method. Despite the value of donor-based surgical simulation training, its application may be hampered by difficulties regarding access to donated bodies. Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess body donation and body acquisition practices with regard to surgical simulation training programs around the world. The results of this review highlight discrepancies regarding body donation practices and surgical simulation programs among continents and countries. The utilization of donor bodies in surgical simulation appears to mirror body donation practices. In countries that rely mostly or exclusively upon unclaimed bodies or executed criminals, there are scant reports of donor-based surgical simulation programs. In countries where willed-body donation is the principal source of human material, there tend to be many surgical simulation programs that incorporate human material as part of surgical training. This review suggests that, in anatomical and surgical education, the utilization of active willed-body donation programs, as opposed to the utilization of unclaimed human bodies, positively corresponds with the development of beneficial donor-based surgical simulation programs. Likewise, donor-based surgical simulation training programs may have an influence on the perpetualization of willed-body donations.
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Chowdhury R, Behera S, Sar M, Mishra S. Awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards body donation among medical and paramedical students. NATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ANATOMY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/njca.njca_219_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
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Noël GPJC, Heron J, Naismith C. From 1883 to 2019; Variables Influencing Body Procurement at McGill University. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:599-608. [PMID: 33590720 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
McGill University has continued to maintain whole body dissection as an integral component of its medical school curriculum. To better explore the factors influencing body procurement at McGill University, records of body receipts were collected from their paper and electronic records and analyzed from 1883 to 2019. The data collected allowed for discussion on the number of bodies received at McGill University each year, the age at death of the bodies, their sex, as well as religious affiliation and language spoken at home. As bodies of the deceased have a long held and unique status in law, this information was considered in light of historical and legislative data and, in the case of religion and language, it was compared to census data for Montréal, Québec, Canada. Overall numbers of bodies procured by McGill University have varied throughout the years, with no discernable target number over time. The current body donor profile at McGill University is likely to be a male in his 70's and likely to speak French at home. However, the strong connection of the University with the Anglophone community of Montréal is reflected by the significantly higher proportion of English-speaking donors when compared to the general population of the city. In regard to legislation, it appears that the most recent legislations did not affect the rate of procurement. However, when legislations were embraced by religious institutions in 1883, there was a 261% increase in bodies sent for dissection, over the following two decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffroy P J C Noël
- Division of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julia Heron
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident Training Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Carly Naismith
- Department of History, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Assessing the perceptions of individuals with differing levels and backgrounds of education towards whole-body donation. Ann Anat 2020; 233:151604. [PMID: 32979528 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The value of learning anatomy through cadaveric dissection is widely acclaimed; however, the demand for cadavers exceeds supply. For the number of donors to increase, there needs to be a broader understanding of what influences an individual's perception towards whole-body donation. The hypotheses were that individuals with a biomedical background or with higher levels of education would respectively have a more positive perception towards whole-body donation than those with an arts background or less education. Dissection experience was predicted to affect an individual's perception of whole-body donation negatively. METHODS To assess perceptions of whole-body donation, an online questionnaire was created consisting of statements developed using Thurstone and Chave's method. After ethical approval, the survey was distributed to students, academics, businesses and charities. Responses were allocated a mean score based on agreed statements. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess significance. RESULTS Significant difference in scores of individuals with biomedical science education compared to those with an arts education (P = 0.028, U = 39). No significant difference in scores of individuals with and without dissection experience (P = 0.394, U = 654.5). A significant difference in scores of postgraduates compared to graduates (P = 0.036, U = 13.5). CONCLUSION Individuals with a biomedical science education reflected a significantly higher positive perception of whole-body donation in comparison to individuals with an arts background. Although postgraduates had a significantly higher positive perception of whole-body donation compared to graduates, there was no trend between level of education and score. Individuals with dissection experience didn't have a more negative perception of whole-body donation.
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Mahajan P, Koushal V, Chhabra R, Dhaliwal N, Pandey N, Kaur R. Effectiveness of Interventional Strategies in Modulating Knowledge and Attitude of Health Care Professionals for Promoting Organ Donation: A Study in Tertiary Care Public Hospital of North India. Ann Neurosci 2020; 27:242-256. [PMID: 34556965 PMCID: PMC8455009 DOI: 10.1177/0972753121990238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of interventional “educational module” on knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation amongst resident doctors and nurses in the Institute of National Importance. Study Design: Interventional and prospective. Methods: We devised an interactive educational module covering various aspects of organ donation through a series of audiovisual lectures and information booklets. Resident doctors and nurses posted in those areas of the 1948-bedded Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where head injury patients were treated and were subject to intervention using this module. The pre and postinterventional scores of their knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation were compared to find out impact of the intervention. Results: A total of 242 nurses and 87 resident doctors participated in this research. Higher knowledge score was observed preintervention amongst doctors as compared to nurses. Significant improvement was seen in total knowledge scores of both groups postintervention. Doctors had better scores for the “concept of organ donation,” while nurses were more familiar with “procedures and protocols.” Both had low knowledge about “clinical criteria for brain death” and “legal issues” preintervention which improved significantly postintervention. The positive impact of intervention was also observed on attitude in both categories. A significant impact of intervention was observed on overall propensity of doctors and nurses to promote organ donation, for pledging their own organs and for counseling of the patient/attendants on this cause. Conclusion: Scientifically designed educational modules have a promising role in improving awareness and attitude of health care professionals regarding organ donation and their propensity to be prospective donors, effective counselors, and advocates of organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Mahajan
- Department of Hospital Administration, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - V Koushal
- Department of Hospital Administration, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - R Chhabra
- Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - N Dhaliwal
- Department of Hospital Administration, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - N Pandey
- Department of Hospital Administration, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - R Kaur
- Transplant Coordinator, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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Hutchinson EF, Kramer B, Billings BK, Brits DM, Pather N. The Law, Ethics and Body Donation: A Tale of Two Bequeathal Programs. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2020; 13:512-519. [PMID: 31596033 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Historically, legislature has been utilized to facilitate appropriate use of cadavers in the anatomical sciences. However, cadaver acquisition and use have also been guided by ethically appropriate and morally acceptable principles. Various global and regional frameworks of "ethical practice" guide body donation, including the use of unclaimed bodies by institutions. These frameworks are responsive to, and reciprocal with the various ethical, moral and legal factors that influence the development of body donation programs. This reciprocity supports the notion that anatomists and anatomical societies have a responsibility to advocate for legal reform when required. In this study, two body bequest programs from geopolitically and socially disparate countries are used as cases to contrast existing legal and governance frameworks for body donation and to examine whether anatomists can direct the acquisition of ethically donated cadavers. The study includes an Australian donor program that has exclusively accepted bequests since its inception, and a South African program that has recently transitioned to a bequest system. Elements such as consent by next-of-kin and Inspector of Anatomy, use of unclaimed bodies and ethics committee approval amongst others, are compared. It is acknowledged that legal frameworks for cadaver acquisition generally deliver broad guidance on acceptable utilization of bodies for the anatomical sciences. However, professional discretion is of importance in adapting to societal needs and values. Thus, while anatomists have been able to progress toward more ethical practice than that which is required by the law, they must continue to do so as societal values evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin F Hutchinson
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Beverley Kramer
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brendon K Billings
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Desiré M Brits
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nalini Pather
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Sasi A, Hegde R, Dayal S, Vaz M. 'Life after Death - the Dead shall Teach the Living': a Qualitative Study on the Motivations and Expectations of Body Donors, their Families, and Religious Scholars in the South Indian City of Bangalore. Asian Bioeth Rev 2020; 12:149-172. [PMID: 33717335 PMCID: PMC7747233 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-020-00117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In India, there has been a shift from using unclaimed bodies to voluntary body donation for anatomy dissections in medical colleges. This study used in-depth qualitative interviews to explore the deeper intent, values and attitudes towards body donation, the body and death, and expectations of the body donor (N = 12), as well as their next of kin (N = 7) and representative religious scholars (N = 12). All donors had enrolled in a body bequest programme in a medical school in South India. This study concludes that body donors are philanthropists with deep-rooted values of altruism and service, who are often willing to forgo traditional religious and cultural death rituals. The next of kin are often uncomfortable with the donor's decision, and this suggests that it is important that dialogue/counselling occurs at the time of the bequest, if the donor's wishes are to be respected. Religious injunctions are often misinterpreted; this implies that religious leaders/scholars can play a significant role in addressing these misconceptions which are barriers to body donation. Body bequest programmes in India may be enhanced by positioning body donation as 'daana'-giving without any expectation of return for a higher purpose, including ceremonies of respect in medical colleges. Furthermore, increased public engagement and awareness about body bequest programmes are also important to enhance participation. When medical students internalise what body donors expect of them, i.e. altruism, empathy with patients and becoming 'good doctors', it will help to ensure that the donation was not in vain and that the dead truly teach the living.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhika Hegde
- Department of History of Medicine, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Stephen Dayal
- Department of Anatomy, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Manjulika Vaz
- Division of Health and Humanities, St. John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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Zhang Q, Deng J, Li YN, Gou Y, Yan XX, Li F, Pan AH. Perceptions and Attitudes toward Brain Donation among the Chinese People. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2020; 13:80-90. [PMID: 31022327 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem human brain donation is crucial to both anatomy education and research. The China Human Brain Banking Consortium was established recently to foster brain donation in China. The purpose of this study was to gain information about the public perception of and attitudes toward brain donation and to identify factors that may impact the willingness to participate in brain donation among the Chinese people. A specifically designed questionnaire was delivered to community residents in Changsha (the capital city of Hunan province) with a total of 1,249 completed forms returned and statistically analyzed. The majority of the participants considered that brain donation would help medical research and education, and 32.0% of respondents agreed that the brain donation would help change the traditional Chinese funeral belief in keeping the body intact after death. However, participants aged over 60 years old were less supportive of this concept. Among all participants, 63.7% stated that they were not knowledgeable about brain donation, while 26.4% explicitly expressed a willingness to participate in brain donation. Age, gender, monthly household income, and knowledge about brain donation significantly affected the willingness. Compared with other age groups, a higher proportion of participants aged over 60 years old preferred to be informed by a medical college. To promote brain donation in China, especially among the elderly, better communication of its medical benefits and a reinterpretation of the Confucius view of the human body should be provided. Efforts are also needed to provide appropriate forums and sources of brain donation information to targeted communities and society in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Nan Li
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Gou
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Hua Pan
- Xiangya Brain Bank, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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Nag K, Karmakar N, Chakraborty T, Datta A, Das S, Bhattacharjee P. Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding voluntary whole-body donation among medicos in Northeast India. CHRISMED JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/cjhr.cjhr_41_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Gürses İA, Ertaş A, Gürtekin B, Coşkun O, Üzel M, Gayretli Ö, Demirci MS. Profile and Motivations of Registered Whole-Body Donors in Turkey: Istanbul University Experience. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2019; 12:370-385. [PMID: 30548175 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Little is known regarding the profiles of whole body donors in Muslim majority countries where donation is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to profile registered donors in Turkey by means of a survey. The explored data could be used to improve ongoing campaign efforts and ethical practices such as commemoration services. Registered donors of the donation programs at the two faculties of medicine of Istanbul University were compared with the national population and a cluster analysis was performed to reveal any concealed sub-groups. Data from 188 respondents were analyzed. The majority of registered donors were married (42%), male (65.4%), aged over 50 years (76%), held a tertiary education degree (49.7%), and were irreligious (58.5%). Cluster analysis revealed two groups with significantly different educational levels, marital statuses, and religious choices. Regarding whether their bodies could be used for education or research, the majority (64.5%) of the respondents left the decision to the anatomy department. Similarly, 73.8% approved indefinite use of their organs, body parts and/or skeletons. The respondents were also willing to share their medical history (94.2%) and personal information (81.6%) if needed. Motivational themes for body donation including usefulness, impermanence, religion, awareness, and kinship were devised after a thematic analysis. Among the respondents, 56.5% were registered organ donors and 63.3% were frequent blood donors. The results of this study provide data that may help revising informed consent forms, developing and implementing thanksgiving ceremonies, and selecting additional targets for supporting body donation campaign activities such as organ and blood donation units.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlke Ali Gürses
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ertaş
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Başak Gürtekin
- Department of Biostatistics, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Coşkun
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Üzel
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özcan Gayretli
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Selman Demirci
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kramer B, Hutchinson EF, Brits DM, Billings BK. Making the Ethical Transition in South Africa: Acquiring Human Bodies for Training in Anatomy. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2019; 12:264-271. [PMID: 30179313 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
While dissection remains the method of choice for teaching human anatomy, ethical requirements for obtaining cadavers has made the process of acquiring human bodies more strenuous for institutions. In Africa and at the School of Anatomical Sciences in South Africa, dependence on unclaimed bodies has been prevalent. The aim of the present study was to determine whether more rigorous application of ethical consent has altered the provenance of the cadavers in the School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. The numbers of bequeathed/donated/unclaimed cadavers received over the period 2013-2017, as well as their sex and population affinity were analyzed. The majority (96.8%) of the cadavers dissected over the period were from bequests/donations. Marginally more females than males were available. In addition, the population affinity of the cadavers had changed from a majority of South African African (unclaimed) bodies to a majority of South African White (bequest/donated) bodies. The study shows that even with ethical constraints it is possible to transition from the use of mainly unclaimed bodies to the acquisition of bequeathed/donor bodies. However, there may be challenges in relation to anatomical collections in the School as few of the bequest/donated cadavers remain in the School to be added to the collections. These changes also affect the demographics of the Schools' collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Kramer
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Erin F Hutchinson
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Desiré M Brits
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brendon K Billings
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Gürses İA, Coşkun O, Öztürk A. Current status of cadaver sources in Turkey and a wake-up call for Turkish anatomists. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2018; 11:155-165. [PMID: 28657659 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Persisting difficulties in body procurement in Turkey led to the acquisition of donated, unclaimed, autopsied, and imported bodies regulated under current legislature. Yet, no study had investigated the extent of the on-going cadaver problem. This study was aimed to outline cadaver sources in anatomy departments and their effectiveness by means of an online survey. Additionally, official websites of each department were investigated regarding any information on body donation. Unclaimed cadavers (84.8%) were the major source for anatomy departments, followed by donated (50%) and imported cadavers (39.1%). Foundation-based medical faculties were more likely to import cadavers (P = 0.008). There was a moderate increase (rs = 0.567; P = 0.018) in donation registrations to our department after 2000. The departments in cities with significantly higher City-Based Gross Domestic Product measures (US$9,900 vs. US$16,772, P = 0.041), frequencies for mid- or high-school graduates (30.4% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.041), and frequencies for under- or post-graduates (13.1% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.24) had managed to use donated cadavers. Anatomy departments' major reasons for using unclaimed cadavers were education (45.9%), unclaimed cadavers being the only source (24.3%), and receiving inadequate donations (21.6%). Nine out of seventy-four departments (12.2%) provided information regarding body donation on their websites. Body procurement remains as a serious problem in Turkey and it is apparent that current legislature does not provide a sufficient cadaver inflow. Similarly, anatomy departments' effectiveness in public awareness of body donation and support in the National Body Donation Campaign seems questionable. Anat Sci Educ 11: 155-165. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
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MESH Headings
- Anatomists
- Anatomy/education
- Awareness
- Cadaver
- Dissection
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/economics
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/organization & administration
- Faculty, Medical
- Female
- Human Body
- Humans
- Legislation, Medical
- Schools, Medical/economics
- Schools, Medical/organization & administration
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Time Factors
- Tissue and Organ Procurement/economics
- Tissue and Organ Procurement/legislation & jurisprudence
- Tissue and Organ Procurement/methods
- Tissue and Organ Procurement/statistics & numerical data
- Turkey
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Affiliation(s)
- İlke Ali Gürses
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Coşkun
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adnan Öztürk
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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da Rocha AO, de Campos D, Farina MA, Pacini GS, Girotto MC, Hilbig A. Using body donor demographics to assist the implementation of donation programs in Brazil. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2017; 10:475-486. [PMID: 28264142 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The use of human material in anatomy education depends upon the generosity of body donors. However, little is known regarding the demographics of body donors in Brazil, where voluntary body donation is a relatively rare phenomenon. Hence, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the demographic profile of applicants to the Body Donation Program (BDP) at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre in Brazil, as well as to assess whether the observed characteristics of body donors are unique to that sample, or if they merely reflect the characteristics of the regional population. Information derived from the specific forms filled out by donors between January 2008 and June 2016 at the time of registration were collected. Data from 416 forms were analyzed. Based on this study, the typical applicant in Brazil is typically a white female (67.4%), over 60 years of age (60.3%), unmarried or single (70.6%), affiliated with a religious group (89.1%), of middle class background (40.4%), who has completed high school and/or holds a university degree (93.8%). The motivation of donors was, in most cases, an altruistic gesture, represented by the desire to help society and science. Elucidating these demographic characteristics of potential donors may help identify the target public to which information regarding body donation campaigns could be directed. Anat Sci Educ 10: 475-486. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Oxley da Rocha
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Deivis de Campos
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Farina
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Sartori Pacini
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Cornelli Girotto
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Arlete Hilbig
- Department of Medical Clinic, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Abbasi Asl J, Nikzad H, Taherian A, Atlasi MA, Naderian H, Mousavi G, Kashani MM, Omidi A. Cultural acceptability and personal willingness of Iranian students toward cadaveric donation. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2017; 10:120-126. [PMID: 27517382 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cadaver dissection stands as a crucial component in medical curricula around the world, although computer-based multimedia programs have been introduced in order to replace the need for cadaver donations. Due to a decrease in the number of unclaimed bodies and rather few donations, there is an insufficient number of cadavers for anatomical studies in Iran. This study was carried out to evaluate medical students' awareness and willingness regarding body donation in Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In this study, a questionnaire was designed to focus on the cultural acceptability and personal willingness to donate one's body after death. Students from the university's anatomy classes (n = 331) participated in this study. Seventy-seven percent of the students expressed their agreement toward the idea of utilizing body donation services, though only 25.4% of participants were willing to donate their own bodies. None of the demographic factors were associated with cultural acceptability or personal willingness towards body donation. These findings indicated that besides "payment", other factors were associated with students' willingness to become donors. All factors of awareness except "previous awareness of organization" were associated with cultural acceptability. In this study, students suggested that encouraging people to register for body donation using mass media (25.6%) and teaching students to respect cadavers in the dissection environment (24.8%) were the best solutions for addressing the lack of cadavers. These findings indicated that a lack of awareness about body donation might be the main factor responsible for unwillingness towards body donation; therefore, improving the public's awareness and addressing the willingness of students regarding body donation may help overcome the current lack of donated cadavers. Anat Sci Educ 10: 120-126. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Abbasi Asl
- Students' Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Taherian
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Atlasi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Homayoun Naderian
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Gholamabbas Mousavi
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
| | - Milad Motalebi Kashani
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Abdollah Omidi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare, Kashan, Iran
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20
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Repeated Exposure to Dissection Does Not Influence Students' Attitudes towards Human Body Donation for Anatomy Teaching. ANATOMY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9251049. [PMID: 27190650 PMCID: PMC4846756 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9251049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of unclaimed bodies for anatomical dissection has been the main method of instruction at our institution. There is however a shortage of cadavers for dissection given the increase in the number of medical schools as well as in the number of students enrolling in these schools. This shortage could be mitigated by having voluntary human body donation programs. This study aimed at assessing the attitudes of medical students and surgical residents towards body donation for anatomy learning. We conducted an online survey involving 72 first-year medical students and 41 surgical residents at University of Nairobi who had completed one year of anatomy dissection. For the medical students, this was their first dissection experience while it was the second exposure for the surgery trainees. Most of the surgical trainees (70.7%) and medical students (68.1%) were opposed to self-body donation. This was mainly due to cultural (37%) and religious (20%) barriers. Surprisingly, of those not willing to donate themselves, 67.9% (82.8% surgical trainees, 59.2% medical students) would recommend the practice to other people. Exposure to repeated dissection does not change the perceptions towards body donation. It is noteworthy that culture and religion rank high as clear barriers amongst this “highly informed” group of potential donors.
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Saha A, Sarkar A, Mandal S. Body Donation after Death: The Mental Setup of Educated People. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:AC05-9. [PMID: 26266106 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/12246.6011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Without dissection of cadavers teaching and learning of anatomy is nearly difficult; there remains a gap between the practical knowledge and the gathered theoretical knowledge. But there is a scarcity in the availability of the donated bodies for the sake of medical education. On the other hand a large number of people in our country are in waiting list for organ transplantation which could be overcome by deceased organ donation. AIM Aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness regarding body donation after death. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students, engineering students and doctors in Indian population. Total 300 participants were answered the questionnaire providing information about the knowledge and attitude towards body and organ donation. RESULT 46.33% of entire study group had strongly positive attitude about cadaveric organ donation and 17% had no idea about this. 18% of total participants were unwilling for body donation after death. CONCLUSION The present study has been done elaborately to find out the different barriers for body or organ donation. It is clear from the study that though there is high level of awareness, nobody has filled up the pledge form till now. It indicates that there is a gap between the knowledge and motivation for organ and body donation after death which has to be overcome by proper guidance and education. Media and other voluntary organisations could take an important role for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubha Saha
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education & Research , Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Aniruddha Sarkar
- Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Midnapore Medical College , Midnapore, West Bengal, India
| | - Shyamash Mandal
- Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Bankura Sammillani Medical College (BSMC) , Bankura, West Bengal, India
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22
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Larner SP, Mcquone B, Schober JM, Loukas M, Terrell M. Perceptions of the living dead: An assessment of knowledge and opinions about whole body donation, its process, and willingness to become cadaveric donors in Pennsylvania. Clin Anat 2015; 28:442-8. [PMID: 25727324 DOI: 10.1002/ca.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Larner
- Department of Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Millcreek Community Hospital, Erie, Pennsylvania
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23
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Anatomists’ views on human body dissection and donation: An international survey. Ann Anat 2014; 196:376-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Alexander M, Marten M, Stewart E, Serafin S, Štrkalj G. Attitudes of Australian chiropractic students toward whole body donation: a cross-sectional study. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2014; 7:117-123. [PMID: 23861139 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Cadavers play an important role in anatomy education. In Australia, bodies for anatomy education are acquired only through donations. To gain insight into educational dynamics in an anatomy laboratory as well as to facilitate body donation programs and thanksgiving ceremonies, it is important to understand students' attitudes toward body donation. In this cross-sectional study, the attitudes of Macquarie University's first, second, and fifth year chiropractic students toward body donation were investigated. Macquarie University chiropractic students have a four semester long anatomy program, which includes cadaver-based instruction on prosected specimens. A questionnaire was used to record respondents' demographics and attitudes toward body donation: personal, by a relative, and by a stranger. It was found that ethnicity and religion affect attitudes toward body donation, with Australian students being more willing to donate a stranger's body and atheists and agnostics being more willing to donate in general. Furthermore, willingness to donate one's own or a family member's body decreases as year of study increases, suggesting a possible negative impact of exposure to cadavers in the anatomy laboratory. This was only true, however, after controlling for age. Thus, the impact of viewing and handling prosected specimens, which is the norm in anatomy classes in Australia, may not be as strong as dissecting cadavers. It is suggested that anatomists and educators prepare students for cadaver-based instruction as well as exhibit sensitivity to cultural differences in how students approach working with cadavers, when informing different communities about body donation programs and in devising thanksgiving ceremonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Alexander
- Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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25
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Anyanwu EG, Obikili EN, Agu AU. The dissection room experience: A factor in the choice of organ and whole body donation--a Nigerian survey. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2014; 7:56-63. [PMID: 23650046 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The psychosocial impact of human dissection on the lives of medical and health science students has been noted. To assess the impact of the dissection room experience on one's willingness to become a whole body and organ donor, the attitudes of 1,350 students and professionals from the medical, health, and non-health related disciplines to body and organ donation were studied. The participants were broken into categories according to degree of exposure to human dissection. Participants who were never exposed to the dissection experience showed more willingness to donate their bodies than those who were exposed. With the exception of the physiotherapy department, the students and professionals from the health science departments who were exposed to the dissection room but never engaged in dissection showed the most unwillingness to donate their bodies (P < 0.001). An unwillingness to donate oneself was noted as one of the negative impacts associated with exposure to the dissection room. Willingness to donate an organ correlated positively with the level of exposure to the dissection room (P < 0.001). Most of the reasons for unwillingness were traceable to negative perceptions of the dissection room as a result of poor and disrespectful management of the human cadavers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka G Anyanwu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
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26
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Halou H, Chalkias A, Mystrioti D, Iacovidou N, Vasileiou PVS, Xanthos T. Evaluation of the willingness for cadaveric donation in Greece: a population-based study. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2013; 6:48-55. [PMID: 22851304 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of body donation for medical education and the advancement of medical science, cadaveric donation remains suboptimal worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the willingness of body donation in Greece and determine the characteristics of donors. This cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted from January to June 2011. A specially designed questionnaire was distributed to 1,700 individuals who were randomly selected from five major Greek cities. It was found that higher educational levels (P = 0.002), annual family income below 30,000 Euros (P = 0.001), guaranteed employment status (P = 0.02), and the presence of comorbid conditions (P = 0.004) seemed to affect potential donors' willingness for cadaveric donation. Those with strong religious beliefs were found to be unwilling to donate their bodies to medical science. Interestingly, the majority of participants who believed that hospitalized patients are deceived or are used for harmful experiments were willing to become whole body donors (P = 0.043). In Greece, the rate of body donation to medical science remains low, and most Greek citizens are not willing to become body donors. Efforts to encourage discussions about whole body donation should be implemented in order to improve current low levels of donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Halou
- Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
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27
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Anyanwu EG, Obikili EN. Dissecting the dissectors: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of body bequests by Nigerian anatomists. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2012; 5:347-353. [PMID: 22753151 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Anatomy education in most African countries is limited by an insufficient number of cadavers for students to undertake dissection. This already significant shortage is exacerbated by an increasing number of medical schools and students. Virtual dissections are impractical in alleviating such a shortfall in African anatomy education, and further cadaver supply is challenged by unethical and dubious sources. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of whole body and organ donation by Nigerian anatomists with the aim of finding solutions to the problems associated with the availability of cadavers in Nigerian medical schools. Out of 46 anatomists that participated in the survey, only 23.9% would consider donating their whole bodies and 60.9% their organs. More than 95% of respondents did not believe that body bequests could become the sole source of cadavers for anatomic dissection in Nigeria. Age and gender were not statistically significant in the choice of being a body or organ donor. The unacceptability to one's family members regarding body donation was the major reason for respondents' unwillingness to make a whole body donation. None of the 14 medical schools sampled in this study have yet instituted a body registration and donation program. The anatomists showed a high level of knowledge and awareness of body bequest programs, which were not reflected by their attitudes and practice. The authors recommend proactive measures aimed at improving the perception and attitudes of Nigerian anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka G Anyanwu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
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Cornwall J, Perry GF, Louw G, Stringer MD. Who donates their body to science? An international, multicenter, prospective study. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2012; 5:208-216. [PMID: 22508582 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Revised: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The altruistic act of body donation provides a precious resource for both teaching and researching human anatomy. However, relatively little is known about individuals who donate their bodies to science (donors), and in particular whether donors in different geographical locations share similar characteristics. A multicenter prospective survey of donors registering during 2010 in three different geographical locations, New Zealand, Ireland, and the Republic of South Africa, was conducted to identify donor characteristics. The 28-question survey included sections on body donation program awareness, reasons for donating, giving tendency, education, ethnicity, relationship status, occupation, religion, and political preference. Two hundred surveys (81%) were returned [New Zealand 123 (85% response rate), Republic of South Africa 41 (67%), and Ireland 36 (92%)]. Results indicate that donors share certain characteristics including reason for donating (80% cited a desire to aid medical science as the main reason for wishing to donate their body); family structure (most donors are or have been in long-term partnerships and ≥ 85% have siblings); and a higher proportion with no religious affiliation compared to their reference population. Some variations between locations were noted including donor age, the mode of program awareness, occupation, relationship status, political preference, organ donor status and with whom donors had discussed their decision to donate. This information could be important for assisting the identification of potential body donors in new and established bequest programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cornwall
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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29
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Rokade SA, Gaikawad AP. Body donation in India: social awareness, willingness, and associated factors. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2012; 5:83-89. [PMID: 22278885 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
With the attendant rise of the number of medical colleges in India over past few decades, the demand for cadavers used in medical education and research is growing. However, there is an insufficient supply of donated cadavers available for dissection. This study was undertaken to assess the general population's awareness of body donation programs and willingness to donate in the State of Maharashtra, India. The willingness of participants to donate was compared with age, gender, and education of the respondents. A total of 625 adult individuals from the State of Maharashtra participated in a survey composed of questions about age, sex, education, awareness of body donation programs, and willingness to donate. It was found that 90.9% of the medical colleges surveyed reported an inadequate supply of cadavers. Of the general population, 32.1% of respondents were aware of body donation, compared to 95.83% of health care professionals. However, only 19.5% of the general population and 44.9% of health care professionals were willing to donate their bodies for anatomical education. Younger age groups, males, graduates, and postgraduates were found more willing to donate their bodies. Organ donation was preferred over body donation. A lack of awareness about body donation was the main factor responsible for respondents' "no body donation" response in the general population, along with firm religious beliefs and customs, the fear that the donated body will not be treated with respect and dignity, and the unacceptability of the dissection of one's own body. To overcome the current shortage of donated cadavers, efforts should be undertaken to change the mindset of the wider Indian society toward body donation. The authors believe this is possible through awareness campaigns and that prospective donors' concerns should be addressed appropriately. Proper guidance and assistance regarding body donation should be easily available for potential donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant A Rokade
- Department of Anatomy, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
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Hayes JA, Ivanusic JJ, le Roux CM, Hatzopoulos K, Gonsalvez D, Hong S, Durward C. Collaborative development of anatomy workshops for medical and dental students in Cambodia. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2011; 4:280-284. [PMID: 21710643 DOI: 10.1002/ase.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
After Phnom Penh was liberated from the Khmer Rouge in 1979, health science education in Cambodia had to be completely rebuilt. In this article, the authors report the results of a teaching collaboration between the University of Melbourne (Australia), the International University (Cambodia), and the University of Health Sciences (Cambodia). The main objectives in this collaboration were to provide the opportunity for dental and medical students in Cambodia to attend resourced anatomy workshops and to provide an opportunity for anatomy teachers in Cambodia to gain experience in implementing anatomy workshops of the style that are routinely used in the medical and dental curricula at the University of Melbourne. Experienced anatomy educators from the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, designed and resourced a series of workshops and then delivered these in collaboration with Cambodian teaching staff in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian students who participated in the workshops were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic. The students' evaluations (by questionnaire) indicated a very positive response to the workshops. All of the workshop resources were donated to the two universities so that the staff could continue to implement similar workshops, and plans were developed to continue our collaboration by developing more resourced workshops for this purpose in the future. Two staff members from Cambodia will travel to Melbourne to participate in anatomy workshops and dissection classes at the University of Melbourne. We hope that this extension of the collaboration provides further support and impetus for the development of anatomy education in Cambodia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Hayes
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Australia.
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