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Ail G, Freer F, Chan CS, Jones M, Broad J, Canale GP, Elston P, Leeney J, Vickerton P. A comparison of virtual reality anatomy models to prosections in station-based anatomy teaching. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2024; 17:763-769. [PMID: 38584323 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2419] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Immersive virtual reality (i-VR) is a powerful tool that can be used to explore virtual models in three dimensions. It could therefore be a valuable tool to supplement anatomical teaching by providing opportunities to explore spatial anatomical relationships in a virtual environment. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to its effectiveness as a teaching modality when compared to the use of cadaveric material. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of i-VR in facilitating understanding of different anatomical regions when compared with cadaveric prosections for a cohort of first- and second-year undergraduate medical students. Students (n = 92) enrolled in the MBBS program at Queen Mary University of London undertook an assessment, answering questions using either Oculus i-VR headsets, the Human Anatomy VR™ application, or prosection materials. Utilizing ANOVA with Sidak's multiple comparison test, we found no significant difference between prosections and i-VR scores in the abdomen (p = 0.6745), upper limb (p = 0.8557), or lower limb groups (p = 0.9973), suggesting that i-VR may be a viable alternative to prosections in these regions. However, students scored significantly higher when using prosections when compared to i-VR for the thoracic region (p < 0.0001). This may be due to a greater need for visuospatial understanding of 3D relationships when viewing anatomical cavities, which is challenged by a virtual environment. Our study supports the use of i-VR in anatomical teaching but highlights that there is significant variation in the efficacy of this tool for the study of different anatomical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Ail
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Frances Freer
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Chui Shan Chan
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Jones
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John Broad
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gian Paulo Canale
- Learning Innovation Team, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Pedro Elston
- Learning Innovation Team, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Leeney
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Paula Vickerton
- Institute of Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Yuan R, Liu Q, Luo C, Ding S, He Y. Death anxiety, sense of meaning in life, and willingness to body donation among nursing students in anatomy course: An explanatory sequential mixed study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2024; 137:106160. [PMID: 38503248 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106160] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anatomy education is a fundamental part of clinical nursing, but anatomy courses may lead to a range of psychological changes, such as death anxiety and sense of meaning in life. Such experiences and changes may influence student's willingness to donate their body. There is insufficient evidence on whether anatomy courses bring about these changes, and the reasons behind experiences are unclear. Focusing on these changes is essential to improve anatomy education in nursing and to promote the mental health of students in the nursing field. OBJECTIVES To explore changes and underlying reasons for death anxiety, sense of meaning in life, and the willingness to donate a body before and after anatomy courses. DESIGN An explanatory sequential explanatory mixed-methods study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 60 students completed quantitative surveys and 16 students from the sub-samples of the quantitative stage were included in the qualitative interviews. All students were from a comprehensive university in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. METHODS Data were collected from September 2022 to April 2023, including two rounds of questionnaire surveys and one interview. The questionnaires included sociodemographic data, the Death Anxiety Scale (CT-DAS), the Meaning of Life Scale (MLQ), and a body donation willingness question. Interviews were conducted based on the research objectives. The statistical methods included descriptive statistics, z-tests, and thematic analysis. RESULTS Quantitative results showed a decrease in emotional dimension of death anxiety (z = -2.534, P < 0.05) and an increase in body donation willingness (z = -3.183, P < 0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed cognitive experience and value assessment may relate to the changes. Based on the two themes, the reduction of death anxiety in emotional dimension can be further attributed to four factors: demystification, instrumentalization, desensitization, and respect and gratitude towards donors. The increase in willingness to donate bodies can be further attributed to two aspects: increase in knowledge of body donation and the affirmation of the value of donation. CONCLUSION The study found that students experience a decrease in death anxiety in the emotional dimension and an increased inclination to donate their bodies after anatomy courses, which may be related to cognitive experience and value assessment. Future nursing anatomy education could delve deeper into these two perspectives and support students to positively cope with death anxiety and rethink body donation through enriching death education activities such as donor memorial ceremonies. These results provide a basis for designing anatomy courses and improving the psychological well-being and professional competence of nursing students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yuan
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuhong Luo
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Ding
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying He
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Billings BK, Kramer B, Augustine TN, Brits D, Hutchinson EF, Libhaber E, Štrkalj G. Leading the transition to ethical human body sourcing in Africa: The South African experience. Ann Anat 2024; 254:152263. [PMID: 38588731 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152263] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of human bodies for anatomy education and research forms an integral part of the training of health professionals around the world. However, the ethical acquisition of human remains for this purpose has been a challenge in many countries, particularly for those on the African continent. South African institutions have however, been able to progressively transition to a more ethical approach to human body acquisition. The aim of the current study was to investigate the provenance of human bodies and the number used in South African health sciences institutions during the period 2017-2021. METHODS an online self-administered anonymised questionnaire was circulated to all health sciences institutions in South Africa. Questions were focused on establishing the provenance and the associated number of bodies and body donor programmes. RESULTS responses were received from thirteen of the fourteen South African institutions. All thirteen institutions use human bodies for teaching and research, with the majority of the institutions being reliant on bequests (77%) and family donations (62%), and less on unclaimed remains (46%). Most institutions have established body donor programmes. Four institutions were negatively affected by the effects of the pandemic. Memorial services, which continued during the pandemic, were conducted by eight of the thirteen institutions. CONCLUSION South Africa is leading the transition to the ethical acquisition of human remains on the African continent. It is hoped that South African institutions will soon transform to the exclusive sourcing of bodies through willed donation and provide guidance and support for the other countries on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon K Billings
- 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
| | - Tanya N Augustine
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Desiré Brits
- 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
| | - Elena Libhaber
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Goran Štrkalj
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Charmode S, Ratanpara L, Sheikh N, Ravi KS, Mehra S. Legal Frameworks Upholding Deceased Individuals' Rights and Enabling the Use of Cadavers in Anatomy Education and Research: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e58473. [PMID: 38765326 PMCID: PMC11101059 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58473] [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: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of human cadavers is essential for teaching, advanced training, and research in medical and anatomical sciences. Medical institutions around the globe presently face a scarcity of cadaver supplies. For the majority of countries, unclaimed bodies are still the primary source of cadavers despite guidelines issued by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists, which discourage the use of unclaimed bodies. This self-funded study aims to conduct a review of the existing national and international laws safeguarding the several rights of a deceased person. The study also reviewed the existing anatomy acts (and related acts) across various countries that facilitate cadaver supply for anatomy education and research. According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, an online search for publications in four medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar) was conducted from 1950 till 2022. A research review protocol was registered in PROSPERO prospectively (registration ID: CRD42023469534) using the Mesh terms like cadaver, anatomy education, dead person and rights, body donation program, unclaimed bodies, and anatomy acts. After the application of the eligibility criteria, 149 publications were shortlisted. After reviewing all the shortlisted articles, laws, and guidelines, using the data extraction checklist prepared by both authors, five international laws, three supreme court case decisions, two high court case decisions, four Indian penal Code Sections, and 22 anatomy acts were selected. Articles from other medical databases could not be reviewed, which was the limitation of this study. The anatomy/human tissue/tissue transplantation acts and advisories from regulatory bodies of individual African, Middle-Eastern, and European countries could not be retrieved. The review findings will emphasize the distinctions between India's anatomy acts and those of other developed nations, thereby broadening our perspective as we propose a model anatomy act for uniform implementation across the country to streamline the procurement of cadavers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundip Charmode
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Lalit Ratanpara
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Nishat Sheikh
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Kumar Satish Ravi
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur, IND
| | - Simmi Mehra
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
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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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Bolcato V, Belli G, Franzetti C, Monti MC, Tronconi LP, Puci M, Morini L. Survey on health students' knowledge and perception on body donation for scientific research, education, and training after specific Italian law no. 10/2020. Ann Anat 2023; 250:152147. [PMID: 37595931 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152147] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practicing on the human body was considered extremely relevant for health professionals' education, but a drastic reduction was observed due to an increase in alternative virtual and multimedia means, and, in Italy, also due to a lack of regulation. Italian Law 10/2020 regulates body donation for research and training through an advanced directive for post-mortem body donation. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the law knowledge and body donation perception of health students of any degree courses enrolled at the University of Pavia, Italy, in 2021, through ad hoc web questionnaire. RESULTS 485 students participated to this survey; median age was of 21 years (25th-75th percentiles, 20-23), 73.2% were females, and 62.5% were medical students. Among them 14.9% knew the Italian law 10/2020. Age was the only variable associated with students' knowledge of the law. Further, 8.3% reported the current availability of cadaveric practice, 85.6% of health students acknowledged usefulness of cadaveric practice, with a significant difference between medical and non-medical students (71.4% vs 28.6%, p < 0.001). Overall, 59.7% would donate their body, rising to 62.7% with reference to specific law regulation, with 30.5% and 28.7% undecided, respectively. 51.3% of participants answered not practicing religious faith, 82.9% with Catholic families, without significance on the knowledge of the law. CONCLUSIONS Poor knowledge of the law compared with great interest and acknowledged cadaveric practice usefulness highlighted the need for better information, especially among health students, where critical discussion could be more valuable. Then, there arises the urgent need to fill the gaps within university studies and syllabuses, to relaunch the central role that cadaveric practice and research had in the education of health professionals. Consequences on basic and specific health students' skills, on health education quality in general, and further on health professionals' expertise must be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Bolcato
- Legal Medicine Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Belli
- Unit of Legal Medicine and Forensic Science, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Franzetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine and Forensic Science, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Monti
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio P Tronconi
- Unit of Legal Medicine and Forensic Science, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Puci
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Morini
- Unit of Legal Medicine and Forensic Science, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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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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Gebert JT, Zhang M. Fewer medical students are open to body donation after dissecting human cadavers. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 57:369-378. [PMID: 36208394 DOI: 10.1111/medu.14948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cadaver dissection has long been hailed as a vital component of medical education. Although most physicians acknowledge positive impacts of cadaver dissection on their learning, they are less likely to will their bodies for anatomical dissection than the general public. This study aims to determine whether the proportion of medical students open to willed body donation changes after completing cadaver dissection. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study surveying 323 medical students across three cohorts before and after anatomical dissection of human cadavers. Through the survey, students indicated whether they would will their body for anatomical dissection. Additionally, students responded to items regarding the rationale underlying their decision, demographics and perceived effects of anatomical dissection on medical education. RESULTS The proportion of students who expressed openness to willed body donation decreased by 25% after cadaver dissection. Of the 171 students who initially stated they would will their body, 61 (35%) changed their response after completing cadaver dissection. Those who cited religion as a motivating factor were less likely to show openness to body donation, whereas those who cited ethical factors were more likely. CONCLUSIONS This study documents a substantial decrease in the proportion of students open to willed body donation after completion of cadaver dissection. Despite this, students almost universally report educational benefits of cadaver dissection. This raises interesting questions regarding the emotional impact of cadaver dissection and the ethical implications of willed body donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Thomas Gebert
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Graduate Program in Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ming Zhang
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Jenkin RA, Garrett SA, Keay KA. Altruism in death: Attitudes to body and organ donation in Australian students. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2023; 16:27-46. [PMID: 35344291 PMCID: PMC10084255 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Health education, research, and training rely on the altruistic act of body donation for the supply of cadavers. Organ transplantation and research rely on donated organs. Supply of both is limited, with further restrictions in Australia due to requirements for a next-of-kin agreement to donation, irrespective of the deceased's pre-death consent. Research suggests health workers are less likely to support the donation of their own bodies and/or organs, despite recognizing the public good of donation, and that exposure to gross anatomy teaching may negatively affect support for donation. Attitudes to body and organ donation were examined in Australian students studying anatomy. Support for self-body donation (26.5%) was much lower than support for self-organ donation (82.5%). Ten percent of participants would not support the election of a family member or member of the public to donate their body, and just over 4% would not support the election of a family member to donate their organs, with one-to-two percent not supporting this election by a member of the public. Exposure to gross anatomy teaching was associated with an increased likelihood of consideration of issues about body and organ donation, whether for self, family, or the public, and registration as an organ donor. Exposure decreased participants' willingness to donate their own body, with those who practiced a religion least likely to support body donation. Gross anatomy courses provide an opportunity to inform future healthcare workers about altruistic donation, albeit with a recognition that religious or cultural beliefs may affect willingness to donate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A. Jenkin
- Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Samuel A. Garrett
- Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
- University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kevin A. Keay
- Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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Papa V, Varotto E, Galli M, Vaccarezza M, Galassi FM. One year of anatomy teaching and learning in the outbreak: Has the Covid-19 pandemic marked the end of a century-old practice? A systematic review. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:261-280. [PMID: 34890477 PMCID: PMC9011560 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
At the end of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic spread caused restrictions in business and social spheres. Higher education was also severely affected: universities and medical schools moved online to distance learning and laboratory facilities closed. Questions arise about the long-term effects of this pandemic on anatomical education. In this systematic review, the authors investigated whether or not anatomical educators were able to deliver anatomical knowledge during this pandemic. They also discuss the challenges that anatomical education has faced over the last year. The search strategy was conducted between July 2020 and July 2021. Two hundred and one records were identified, and a total of 79 studies were finally included. How best to deliver anatomy to students remains a moot point. In the last years, the advent of new technologies has raised the question of the possible overcoming of dissection as the main instrument in anatomical education. The Covid-19 pandemic further sharpened the debate. Remote learning enhanced the use of technologies other than cadaveric dissection to teach anatomy. Moreover, from the analyzed records it appears that both from students' perspective as well as teachers' there is a clear tear between those who endorse dissection and those who believe it could be easily overcome or at least integrated by virtual reality and online learning. The authors strongly believe that the best anatomy teaching practice requires the careful adaptation of resources and methods. Nevertheless, they support cadaveric dissection and hope that it will not be replaced entirely as a result of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Papa
- Department of Motor Sciences and WellnessSchool of Sciences, Engineering and HealthUniversity of Naples “Parthenope”NaplesItaly
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research CenterAvolaItaly
| | - Elena Varotto
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research CenterAvolaItaly
- Department of Humanities (DISUM)University of CataniaCataniaItaly
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social SciencesFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Massimo Galli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”University of MilanMilanItaly
- III Division of Infectious DiseasesASST Fatebenefratelli SaccoMilanoItaly
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Francesco M. Galassi
- Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research CenterAvolaItaly
- Archaeology, College of Humanities, Arts and Social SciencesFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
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