Prepared to study: resources designed to aid student studies in human cadaveric anatomy

Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
Anscomb, H.;Harris, R.;Domett, K.;Trollope, A.
Abstract

Purpose: The use of human cadaveric specimens for effective teaching of clinical human anatomy is well documented1. However, the study of cadaveric human anatomy typically occurs early in the undergraduate curricula for most health professional degree programs and can be an intimidating method of study2. Methods: This paper describes preliminary studies into the design and development of a set of resources aimed to assist students in their preparation for, and study with, human cadaveric materials. Students in first year rehabilitation sciences (n=287) and speech pathology (n=43) in 2015 were provided with cadaveric-based resources prior to cadaveric practical classes. Student satisfaction, experience and competencies in anatomy were then assessed and compared to 2014 data from students who did not receive preparatory resources. Results and Conclusion: Academic results from two student cohorts (Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology) increased significantly from 2014, and particularly in association with practical examination components (spot test results). Student feedback and focus group data showed that students felt better equipped and supported through the cadaveric study classes and believed themselves better prepared for self-study3. The teaching and learning strategies applied here have lead to demonstrated improvement in the study of anatomy and an enhanced student learning experience.

Journal

Clinical Anatomy

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Volume

29

ISBN/ISSN

1098-2353

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Issue

2

Pages Count

1

Location

Adelaide, South Australia

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

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Date

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1002/ca.22682