Perspective or Spectacle? Teaching thoracic aortic anatomy in a mixed reality assisted educational approach- a two-armed randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: Anatomical understanding is an important basis for medical teaching, especially in a surgical context. The interpretation of complex vascular structures via two-dimensional visualization can yet be difficult, particularly for students. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an MxR-assisted educational approach in vascular surgery undergraduate education, comparing an MxR-based teaching-intervention with CT-based material for learning and understanding the vascular morphology of the thoracic aorta. METHODS: In a prospective randomized controlled trial learning success and diagnostic skills following an MxR- vs. a CT-based intervention was investigated in 120 thoracic aortic visualizations. Secondary outcomes were motivation, system-usability as well as workload/satisfaction. Motivational factors and training-experience were also assessed. Twelve students (7 females; mean age: 23 years) were randomized into two groups undergoing educational intervention with MxR or CT. RESULTS: Evaluation of learning success showed a mean improvement of 1.17 points (max.score: 10; 95%CI: 0.36-1.97). The MxR-group has improved by a mean of 1.33 [95% CI: 0.16-2.51], against 1.0 points [95% CI: -0.71- 2.71] in the CT-group. Regarding diagnostic skills, both groups performed equally (CT-group: 58.25 ± 7.86 vs. MxR-group:58.5 ± 6.60; max. score 92.0). 11/12 participants were convinced that MxR facilitated learning of vascular morphologies. The usability of the MxR-system was rated positively, and the perceived workload was low. CONCLUSION: MxR-systems can be a valuable addition to vascular surgery education. Further evaluation of the technology in larger teaching situations are required. Especially regarding the acquisition of practical skills, the use of MxR-systems offers interesting application possibilities in surgical education.

El Trabajo Colaborativo como una Competencia Deseable en el Contexto del Aprendizaje de Anatomía Humana: Su Desarrollo Mediante Aula Invertida / Collaborative Work as a Desirable Competence in the Context of Learning Human Anatomy: Development Through a Flipped Classroom

El estudio de la anatomía humana como asignatura básica tiene el desafío de promover el desarrollo de competencias genéricas en los estudiantes. Tal es el caso del trabajo colaborativo, trascendental en el trabajo en salud. Así, aparece aula invertida cuyo esquema desarrolla actividades de trabajo en equipo. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el impacto de aula invertida sobre el trabajo colaborativo en la enseñanza de la anatomía. Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, no experimental que involucró la implementación de aula invertida en un curso de Terapia Ocupacional de 2023. A partir de 5 sesiones planificadas se desarrollaron trabajos en 6 grupos; incluyeron síntesis de contenido y casos clínicos. Al cerrar el semestre se determinó un promedio de calificaciones (PC), junto a una autoevaluación (AE) y coevaluación (CE) que midió trabajo colaborativo mediante 3 subcompetencias (SC1-SC3) (escala 1,0 a 7,0). Se aplicaron pruebas estadísticas para determinar diferencias entre de SC1-SC3 según AE y CE, por grupos y si existe relación con PC. La prueba de U de Mann Whitney no arrojó diferencias entre AE y CE. La prueba de Friedman no evidenció diferencias entre SC1-SC3. La prueba H de Kruskal-Wallis halló diferencias de las subcompetencias según grupos; SC1 podrían influir en el PC, SC2 registra diferencias en el grupo G1 y G5, y "gestión de conflictos" (SC3) no difiere de forma destacada entre los grupos. La correlación de Spearman presenta una asociación positiva débil entre las subcompetencias y PC, aunque el valor-p no fue significativo. Es sumamente necesario potenciar el trabajo colaborativo en el inicio del pregrado. Anatomía humana, en este contexto, tiene la oportunidad de promover su desarrollo. Ello puede generarse en el marco de aula invertida, cuyo esquema promueve actividades de trabajo colaborativo, y como es sabido, en el rendimiento académico.

SUMMARY: As a basic subject, the study of human anatomy challenges the development of generic skills in students. Such is the case of collaborative work which is transcendental in the areas of healthcare work. Consequently, an inverted classroom is developed wherein teamwork activities are developed. The objective of this work is to analyze the impact of the flipped classroom on collaborative work in teaching anatomy. A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental study that involved the implementation of a flipped classroom in an Occupational Therapy course in 2023 was applied. From 5 planned sessions, work was developed in 6 groups; they included content synthesis and clinical cases. At the end of the semester, a grade average (GA) was determined, along with a self-assessment (SA) and co-assessment (CA) measuring collaborative work through 3 sub competences (SC1-SC3) (scale 1.0 to 7.0). Statistical tests were applied to determine differences between SC1-SC3 according to SA and CA, by groups and if there is a relationship with GA. The Mann Whitney U test did not show differences between SA and CA. The Friedman test did not show differences between SC1-SC3. The Kruskal-Wallis H test found differences in sub competences according to groups; SC1 could influence GA, SC2 records differences in group G1 and G5, and "conflict management" (SC3) does not differ significantly between the groups. The Spearman correlation presented a weak positive association between the sub competences and GA, although the p-value was not significant. It is extremely necessary to promote collaborative work at the beginning of the undergraduate degree. In this context, human anatomy is an opportunity to promote its development. This can be generated within the framework of the inverted classroom promoting collaborative work activities, and academic performance as well.

Conocimiento de la Comprensión de los Estudiantes sobre la Anatomía Macroscópica Humana / Knowledge of Students' Understanding of Human Gross Anatomy

El propósito de esta investigación fue comprender las dificultades y necesidades para el aprendizaje de las ideas principales de la Anatomía Macroscópica Humana AMH. Se investigó un grupo de 90 estudiantes de segundo semestre del programa académico de Medicina y Cirugía de una Universidad pública, quienes se encontraban cursando la asignatura de Anatomía Macroscópica Humana I, para ello se tuvo en cuenta el modelo del conocimiento pedagógico del contenido PCK que incluye el conocimiento de los estudiantes, de su comprensión de la AMH, se realizó una observación participante de las clases teóricas y prácticas durante 16 semanas, llevando a cabo los registros de la observación en diario de campo y se obtuvo material audiovisual. Posteriormente se elaboró un índice analítico, se transcribió la información, todos los documentos fueron analizados por medio del software para análisis ATLAS.ti. Se encontraron aspectos de la enseñanza que dificultan el aprendizaje, como son la metodología de enseñanza, la gran cantidad de contenido abordado en la asignatura, la dificultad en la comprensión de las descripciones y complejidad de la ubicación espacial de las piezas anatómicas, la dificultad para encontrar una metodología de estudio apropiada y la falta de concentración durante las clases. El comprender la complejidad del proceso de aprendizaje puede favorecer la planeación y desarrollo de la enseñanza y la evaluación.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this research was to understand the difficulties and needs for learning the main ideas of Human Macroscopic Anatomy AMH. A group of 90 students from the second semester of the academic program of Medicine and Surgery of a public University were investigated, who were studying the subject of Human Macroscopic Anatomy I, for this the model of pedagogical knowledge of the PCK content that includes the knowledge of the students, their understanding of the AMH, a participant observation of the theoretical and practical classes was carried out for 16 weeks, keeping records of the observation in a field diary, and audiovisual material was obtained. Subsequently, an analytical index was prepared, the information was transcribed, all documents were analyzed using the ATLAS.ti analysis software. Aspects of teaching that hinder learning were found, such as the teaching methodology, the great amount of content addressed in the subject, the difficulty in understanding the descriptions and complexity of the spatial location of the anatomical pieces, the difficulty in finding an appropriate study methodology and the lack of concentration during classes. Understanding the complexity of the learning process can favor the planning and development of teaching and assessment.

Lexemas 'glossa' (γλῶσσα) - 'glotta' (γλῶττα) y sus Derivados en Terminologia Anatomica / Lexemes 'glossa' (γλῶσσα) - 'glotta' (γλῶττα) and its derivatives in Terminologia Anatomica

El lenguaje científico, en el ámbito de la anatomía y ciencias de la salud, se sustenta en una terminología que ha estado abierta a discusiones y modificaciones. En Terminologia Anatomica, el término 'Lengua' proviene del latín Lingua. Sin embargo, también existen términos que derivan del lexema griego glossa y glotta, que también significa lengua. Lo que establece hiperonimia y sinonimia entre estructuras anatómicas relacionadas con este órgano músculo-sensorial. El objetivo fue analizar la presencia de los lexemas 'glossa' - 'glotta' en Terminologia Anatomica y revisar las definiciones de términos que incluyan estos lexemas utilizando el Diccionario Manual Griego-Español VOX y Vocabulario Básico de Griego con anotaciones morfológicas y etimológicas. Para la etimología en español se utilizaron el Diccionario panhispánico de términos médicos y Diccionario médico-biológico, histórico y etimológico. También se determinó la primera vez que se ocuparon en español, utilizando Corpus Diacrónico del Español. Los lexemas estudiados aparecen citados 15 veces en Terminologia Anatomica. Estos se definen como 'lengua, boca; habla, don de la palabra; expresión, manifestación, palabras; habla, lengua, lenguaje, idioma'. También se encuentran algunos términos derivados como Ductus thyroglossalis, epiglottis, glottis, ligamentum thyroepiglotticum y Vallecula epiglottica. Por lo que estos lexemas se consideran sinónimos. El lexema glossa se utilizó por primera vez en el ámbito médico el año 1870. Los lexemas glossa y glotta son frecuentes en Terminologia Anatomica, generando preguntas sobre el uso del doble sigma en griego jónico y doble tau en griego ático clásico. Aunque son sinónimos, su abundancia destaca la importancia del dominio del lenguaje anatómico para la comunicación efectiva y la comprensión precisa entre estudiantes, profesionales e investigadores.

SUMMARY: The scientific language in the field of anatomy and health sciences relies on a terminology that has been open to discussions and modifications. In Terminologia Anatomica, the term lengua comes from the Latin Lingua. However, there are also terms derived from the Greek lexemes glossa and glotta, both meaning 'tongue.' This establishes hyperonymy and synonymy among anatomical structures related to this sensory-muscular organ. The objective was to analyze the presence of the lexemes glossa - glotta in Terminologia Anatomica and review the definitions of terms containing these lexemes using the Diccionario Manual Griego-Español VOX and the Vocabulario Básico de Griego con anotaciones morfológicas y etimológicas. For Spanish etymology, the Diccionario panhispánico de términos médicos and the Diccio- nario Médico-Biológico, Histórico y Etimológico were used. The first use in Spanish was determined using the Corpus Diacrónico del Español. The studied lexemes were cited 15 times in Terminologia Anatomica, defined as 'tongue, mouth; speech, gift of speech; expression, manifestation, words; speech, tongue, language, idioma.' Some derived terms are also found, such as Ductus thyroglossalis, Epiglottis, Glottis, Ligamentum thyroepiglotticum, and Vallecula epiglottica. Therefore, these lexemes are considered synonymous. The lexeme glossa was first used in the medical field in 1870. The lexemes glossa and glotta are frequent in Terminologia Anatomica, raising questions about the use of double sigma in Ionic Greek and double tau in classical Attic Greek. Although synonymous, their abundance emphasizes the importance of mastering anatomical language for effective communication and precise understanding among students, professionals, and researchers.

De humani corporis fabrica, Libri septem (Andreas Vesalius, 1543) en México: Estudio Bibliológico del Primer Volumen en América / De humani corporis fabrica, Libri septem (Andreas Vesalius, 1543) in Mexico: Bibliologic Study of the First Volume in America

De humani corporis fabrica libri septem es un libro del médico y anatomista renacentista flamenco Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), quien fue profesor de Anatomía en la Universidad de Padua y médico de la corte del emperador Carlos V. En ella se puede apreciar por primera vez a detalle, (en un compendio de siete libros), una lección académica docta de anatomía del cuerpo humano, basada en disecciones directas del cadáver, hecha y documentada por un joven profesor (Vesalio con 28 años), a sus alumnos de Medicina. Esta obra fue impresa en latín ciceroniano y publicada en Basilea en 1543 en el taller del humanista, lingüista e impresor Johannes Oporinus (1507-1568), e ilustrada probablemente, por artistas del taller de Ticiano como Jan Stephan van Calcar (1499-1546). Considerada hoy como una joya literaria, científica y artística, la fabrica de Vesalio de 1543, fue un hito en la Historia de la Medicina y es considerada como la obra fundacional de los atlas de anatomía modernos y el sustento del método de enseñanza de la disciplina en la carrera de Medicina en todo el mundo. Este volumen original mexicano, considerado hoy patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO y primero de su tipo en América desde el siglo XVI, se encuentra en México como parte del acervo de libros raros y antiguos de la Biblioteca Palafoxiana en la ciudad de Puebla. En este artículo se describen y documentan por primera vez a detalle desde su fuente original, sus características.

SUMMARY: De humani corporis fabrica libri septem is a book written by the Flemish Renaissance physician and anatomist Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), who was a professor of anatomy at the University of Padua and physician to the court of Emperor Charles V. It is in this book that for the very first time in detail, a learned academic lesson on the anatomy of the human body can be observed, in a compendium of seven books, based on direct dissections of the corpse, created and documented by a young professor (Vesalius at the age of 28) for his Medicine students. This work was printed in ciceronian latin and published in Basel in 1543 in the workshop of the humanist, linguist, and printer Johannes Oporinus (1507-1568), and illustrated by artists from the Titian workshop such as Jan Stephan van Calcar (1499-1546). Nowadays considered a literary, scientific and artistic jewel, Vesalius´fabrica of 1543 was a milestone in the history of medicine and is considered the foundation work of modern anatomy atlases, and basis for the teaching method of the discipline in medical careers worldwide. This original Mexican volume, is now considered part of UNESCO World Heritage and is the first book of its kind in America since the 16th century. It is part of the old and rare book collection of the Palafoxiana Library in the city of Puebla in Mexico. In this article, its characteristics are described and for the first time, documented in detail from its original source.

Humanistic Value Development Through Extracurricular Activities in Anatomical Education / Desarrollo de Valores Humanísticos a Través de Actividades Extracurriculares en Educación Anatómica

SUMMARY: Human Anatomy is the first medical specialization course for students of clinical medicine and cultivates the virtues of medical students, helping them to establish the humanitarian values. Therefore, integrating humanistic values education into the course of human anatomy is crucial. In anatomy courses for clinical students, online previews, group-based clinical problem- based learning, and theoretical lectures are used in anatomical education which is integrated with extracurricular activities for the education of human values, such as classical medical stories, group-based humanistic value cultivation, a memorial ceremony for "silent mentors", the morphological drawing and basic experimental skills competitions, and public welfare activities. After a year of implementation and investigation analysis, it was shown that students had a higher willingness to participate in the curriculum activities in this blended learning system, and these activities could stimulate students' interest in learning, which is beneficial to the cultivation of professional and humanistic values.

Anatomía Humana es el primer curso de especialización médica para estudiantes de medicina clínica y cultiva las virtudes de los estudiantes de medicina, ayudándolos a establecer los valores humanitarios. Por lo tanto, es crucial integrar la educación en valores humanísticos en el curso de anatomía humana. En los cursos de anatomía para estudiantes clínicos se utilizan avances en línea, aprendizaje grupal basado en problemas clínicos y conferencias teóricas en la educación anatómica que se integra con actividades extracurriculares para la educación de los valores humanos, como historias médicas clásicas, humanísticas grupales, cultivo de valores, una ceremonia en memoria de los "mentores silenciosos", concursos de dibujo morfológico y habilidades experimentales básicas, y actividades de bienestar público. Después de un año de implementación y análisis de investigación, se demostró que los estudiantes tenían una mayor disposición a participar en las actividades curriculares en este sistema de aprendizaje combinado, y estas actividades podrían estimular el interés de los estudiantes en el aprendizaje, lo que es beneficioso para el cultivo de habilidades profesionales y valores humanistas.

Exploring the ambiguity in the anatomical terminology among Dental professionals.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical terms in medical literature have been used with varying meanings, leading to confusion in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the ambiguity of anatomical terms in clinical dentistry. METHODS: Dentists who have undergone specialised training with at least one year of clinical experience were recruited to participate in the study. They were requested to localize specific terms on a skull and provide explanations based on their experience or opinion. All data were recorded, and then descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-eight participating dentists gave their consent and were eligible to study. For each anatomical term presented to dentists at least two meanings were provided, with some terms having up to eight interpretations. While most meanings were consistent with medical or dental literature, some responses revealed new interpretations not documented in textbooks. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists expressed anatomical terms with diverse meanings, possibly influenced by their various subspecialties. It is crucial to acknowledge this variability to prevent confusion. Emphasizing the consistent use of anatomical terms among dental professionals in the future is essential.

Influence of learning strategies and motivation on anatomy test performance of undergraduate medical students.

To learn and comprehend the large amount of information in gross anatomy, undergraduate students must self-regulate their learning to be properly prepared for the exams within the available time. Even though there are many studies on learning strategies and their influence on test results and motivation, the aim of this study is to investigate characteristics of learning strategies in detail and in relation to the anatomy course of first semester students and how their use is related to anatomy test performance. For assessing the learning strategies, we used the short version of the questionnaire "Learning Strategies of University Students" (LIST-K) (Klingsieck, 2018). Further, we investigated potential influences of motivation and resources used during the self-regulated learning process. The participants in this study (N = 108) filled in the above-mentioned questionnaire LIST-K and a written multiple-choice anatomy test. A k-means cluster analysis revealed three groups of students differing in their self-reported use of learning strategies. Students used either (1) predominantly metacognitive and resource-related strategies, (2) predominantly cognitive strategies, or (3) no specific learning strategies at all. We found no significant overall relationships between the use of learning strategies and test performance. A stepwise linear regression identified the use of cognitive learning strategies (ß =.269) as a significant predictor for test performance (R² =.149, p =.003), possibly as these specific learning strategies help with a systematic and effective approach while studying anatomy and retrieving large amount of memorized information. Further, motivation was identified as a negative predictor (ß = -.277), which might be a result of the short time periods students have to study for exams. Overall findings underline the importance of self-regulated learning as a positive predictor for academic performance. By understanding these factors, a more student-centered approach could be adopted by educators to improve medical education and equip students with valuable approaches for their continuous education, even beyond university.

Haptic experience to significantly motivate anatomy learning in medical students.

BACKGROUND: Currently, multiple tools exist to teach and learn anatomy, but finding an adequate activity is challenging. However, it can be achieved through haptic experiences, where motivation is the means of a significant learning process. This study aimed to evaluate a haptic experience to determine if a tactile and painting with color marker interactive experience, established a better learning process in comparison to the traditional 2D workshop on printed paper with photographs. METHODS: Plaster bone models of the scapulae, humerus and clavicle were elaborated from a computerized scan tomography. Second year undergraduate medical students were invited to participate, where subjects were randomly assigned to the traditional 2D method or the 3D plaster bone model. A third group decided not to join any workshop. Following, all three groups were evaluated on bone landmarks and view, laterality, muscle insertions and functions. 2D and 3D workshop students were asked their opinion in a focus group and answered a survey regarding the overall perception and learning experience. Evaluation grades are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and answers from the survey are presented as percentages. RESULTS: The survey demonstrated the students in the 3D model graded the experience as outstanding, and in five out of the six questions, answers were very good or excellent. In contrast, for students participating in the 2D workshop the most common answers were fair or good. The exception was the answer regarding the quiz, where both groups considered it good, despite the average among all groups not being a passing grade. CONCLUSIONS: To learn the anatomy of the shoulder, the conventional methodology was compared with a haptic experience, where plaster bone models were used, enabling students to touch and paint on them. Based on the focus group and survey this study revealed the 3D workshop was an interactive experience where, the sense of touch and painting greatly contributed to their learning process. Even though this activity was useful in terms of learning bone landmarks, view muscle insertions, and establish relations, further activities must be developed to increase their understanding regarding their function, and its relevance in a clinical setting.

Delphi Analysis: Optimizing Anatomy Teaching and Ultrasound Training for Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection in Spasticity and Dystonia.

Our objective was to provide expert consensus on best practices for anatomy teaching and training on ultrasound-guided botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for specialists involved in treating spasticity and dystonia. Nine experts (three neurologists; six physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) participated in a three-round modified Delphi process. Over three rounds, experts reached consensus on 15 of 16 statements describing best practices for anatomy and BoNT-A injection training. They unanimously agreed that knowledge of the target audience, including their needs and current competency, is crucial when designing training programs. Experts also agreed that alignment between instructors is essential to ensure consistency of approach over time and between regions, and that training programs should be simple, adaptable, and "hands-on" to enhance engagement and learning. Consensus was also reached for several other key areas of training program development. The best-practice principles identified by expert consensus could aid in the development of effective, standardized programs for anatomy teaching and BoNT-A injection training for the purposes of treating spasticity and dystonia. This will enhance the exchange of knowledge, skills, and educational approaches between global experts, allowing more specialists to treat important movement disorders and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Flipped and Peer-Assisted teaching: a new model in virtual anatomy education.

INTRODUCTION: In response to the COVID-19 crisis, this study aimed to introduce a new virtual teaching model for anatomy education that combines Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) and flipped classrooms, aligning with constructivist principles. METHOD: The Flipped Peer Assisted (FPA) method was implemented in a virtual neuroanatomy course for second-year medical students at Birjand University of Medical Sciences via a descriptive study. The method involved small groups of PAL, with peer learning serving as educational assistants and the teacher acting as a facilitator. Educational content was uploaded to the university's learning management system (LMS). The opinion of medical students regarding the teaching method were evaluated using a 15-item questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 210 students participated in the instruction using the FPA method. The analysis of students' scores revealed an average score of 26.75 ± 3.67 on the 30-point test. According to student feedback, this teaching method effectively motivated students to study, enhanced teamwork and communication skills, transformed their perspective on the anatomy course, provided opportunities for formative assessment and feedback, and demonstrated the teacher's dedication to education. CONCLUSION: The FPA model demonstrates its effectiveness in transforming traditional classroom teaching and fostering teaching and learning in virtual environments, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19. This model holds promise for enhancing anatomy education in challenging circumstances.

Perceptions of journal editors on the use of eponyms in anatomical publishing: the need for compromise.

While arguments have been made both for and against the value of anatomical eponyms, limited research exists regarding their use by anatomists. As the editors of the principal international anatomy journals have purview and control of terminology in anatomical journals, their perceptions regarding the relevance, ethics and inclusivity of eponym use in anatomy and in publishing in anatomical journals were investigated. A validated, confidential and anonymized self-administered questionnaire which included open-ended questions was distributed to the 22 Editor-in-Chiefs/Senior Editors of anatomical journals. Of the 16 (73%) editors who responded to the survey, only 56% were aware that eponyms had been censured since the time of the 1895 Nomina Anatomica. The majority of responding editors found the use of Latin- and Greek-derived terms more valuable when communicating with students and peers, but also thought eponyms were acceptable in manuscripts submitted to their journals. Thirteen (81%) of the responding editors agreed that eponyms play a vital role in the history of anatomy, and some thought they were important for discussing bioethics concepts. However, 62.5% felt that there were valid reasons for their discontinuation. Half of the respondents did not consider the continued use of eponyms an ethical concern. Responding editors of anatomical journals prefer the use of Latin- and Greek- derived terms when interacting with other anatomists and students. However, the continued use of eponyms was seen as an important opportunity for discussion on the history and ethics of anatomy.

Test-reduced teaching for stimulation of intrinsic motivation (TRUST): a randomized controlled intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy dissection course is a major part of the first two years of the traditional medical curriculum in Germany. The vast amount of content to be learned and the repeated examination is unanimously perceived by students and teachers as a major stress factor that contributes to the increase of psychosocial stress during the first two years of the course of study. Published interventions for specific stress reduction are scarce. METHODS: In a randomized, controlled design two intervention groups were compared with a control group (CG) over the whole dissection course (nine measuring points before, during and after first and second semester). The 'Stress Management intervention (IVSM)' targeted at the setting of personal standards, the 'Friendly Feedback intervention (IVFF)' at the context of frequent testing. Quantitative surveys were distributed at nine measuring points. The questionnaire comprised validated instruments and self-developed items regarding stress, positive and negative affect, anxiety, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived performance. RESULTS: Out of 195 students inscribed in the dissection course, 166 (85%) agreed to participate in the study. The experience of stress during the dissection course was significantly higher in the CG than in the IVFF. Anxiety and negative affect were lower in students of the IVFF while positive affect, intrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy were higher than in the CG. For anxiety and negative affect in the IVSM this was especially seen at the end of the second semester. The self-perceived increase in both knowledge and preparedness for the first big oral and written examination did not differ between the study groups. About three quarters of the participants would choose the intervention 'Friendly Feedback' if given the choice. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing formal tests with friendly feedback has proven to be an effective measure to reduce stress and negative affect and foster positive affect, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation, while it did not impair self-perceived academic performance.

Use of 3D foot and ankle puzzle enhances student understanding of the skeletal anatomy in the early years of medical school.

PURPOSE: 3D visualization is an important part of learning anatomy with cadavers generally used to effectuate this. However, high cost, ethical considerations, and limited accessibility can often limit the suitability of cadavers as teaching tools. Anatomical 3D printed models offer an alternative tool for teaching gross anatomy due to their low cost and accessibility. This study aims to investigate if combing gamification with 3D printed models can enhance the learning experience and be effective for teaching anatomy. METHODS: 3D printed models of the bones of the foot and ankle were generated, and 267 first-year medical students from 2 consecutive cohorts worked in groups to put it together as a puzzle. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding perceptions of 3D models and their knowledge of foot anatomy, before and after the session and were asked to provide comments. RESULTS: Analysis of the responses showed a significant increase in the confidence of the learners in their anatomy knowledge and an increased appreciation of the role that 3D models have in enhancing the learning experience. After the session, there were many comments saying how enjoyable and engaging 3D models were. CONCLUSION: Through the puzzle element of the session, the students were challenged mentally to work out the anatomical features of the foot and ankle. The combined elements of the puzzle and the features of the 3D model assembly made the activity fun and conducive to active learning. The possibility of having fun was not something the students had considered before the session.

Terminologia Anatomica 2nd edition: perspectives from anatomy educators in the United Kingdom.

English anatomical terminology has evolved over the long history of anatomical practice, with major influences from ancient Greek, classical Latin, Arabic, and post-classical Latin. Beginning in the nineteenth century, there have been various attempts to standardise and rationalise anatomical language, beginning in 1887, and culminating in the publication in 2019 of the second edition of the Terminologia Anatomica. This paper presents a brief historical overview of the development of anatomical terminology and usage in English, followed by a summary of the results of an anonymised survey of current practices that was sent out by email to anatomy educators at 45 medical schools in the United Kingdom. This is followed by personal reflections by six senior academics and/or clinicians, reviewing their extensive experience of teaching, researching, and communicating the language of anatomy within United Kingdom medical and clinical institutions.

Effect of anatomical studies prior to medical school on medical school anatomy study success and residency choice.

INTRODUCTION: There is little research on how medical school matriculants' experiences prior to medical school effects their choice of specialty or performance in medical school. This research attempts to fill that gap in research in regards to surgical and radiological fields. METHODS: An anonymous survey was sent to fourth year medical students asking them their background in anatomy studies prior to medical school and their anatomy grades in medical school and interest in surgical and radiological fields. Students were also asked whether they identified with under-represented demographic groups in those specialties. RESULTS: Prior anatomy experience did not significantly affect performance in anatomy courses or Step 1 and Step 2 scores. However, students who applied to surgical specialties had higher performance in anatomical courses and higher Step 1 scores compared to those who did not apply to surgical specialties. There was interestingly no difference in under-represented and not under-represented student application to these fields. DISCUSSION: For shareholders interested in increasing medical student performance, or interest in specific specialties, more information needs to be gathered.

Effectiveness and satisfaction with virtual and donor dissections: A randomized controlled trial.

In recent years, human anatomy education has faced challenges with traditional donor dissection, leading to the emergence of virtual dissection as an alternative. This study aims to investigate the academic performance and satisfaction of medical students by comparing the virtual and donor dissections. An open-labeled crossover randomized controlled trial was conducted with 154 first-year medical students in Human Anatomy and Neuroanatomy laboratories, which were divided into three classes. Students were randomly assigned to either the virtual (virtual dissection followed by donor dissection) or donor (donor dissection followed by virtual dissection) groups in each class. A curriculum, incorporating head-mounted displays (HMDs), a life-sized touchscreen, and tablets, was developed. Data was evaluated through quizzes and surveys. In the Human Anatomy laboratory, each class of the donor group conducted heart extraction, dissection and observation. In observation class, the virtual group had a significantly higher mean quiz score than the donor group (p < 0.05). Compared to the donor, satisfaction was significantly higher for the HMD (understanding of concept and immersion), life-size touchscreen (esthetics, understanding of the concept, and spatial ability), and tablet (esthetics, understanding of the concept, spatial ability, and continuous use intention). In the Neuroanatomy laboratory, the virtual group showed significantly higher mean quiz scores than the donor group (p < 0.05), and tablet showed a significantly higher satisfaction than donor in terms of esthetics, understanding of the concept, and spatial ability. These results suggest that virtual dissection has the potential to supplement or replace donor dissection in anatomy education. This study is innovative in that it successfully delivered scenario-based virtual content and validated the efficacy in academic performance and satisfaction when using virtual devices compared to donor.Trial registration: This research has been registered in the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?search_lang=E&focus=reset_12&search_page=L&pageSize=10&page=undefined&seq=26002&status=5&seq_group=26002 ) with registration number "KCT0009075" and registration date "27/12/2023".

Relationship between the relative timing of prosection and dissection experiences and laboratory examination performance in a gross anatomy course.

Reduced hours of instruction are reported within the gross anatomy education literature. Anatomy instruction continues to be challenged with motivating and inspiring learners to value the contribution of gross anatomy knowledge to their career development alongside increased organizational demands for efficiency and effectiveness. To address these demands, this retrospective study sought to understand how the relative timing and amount of gross anatomy instruction were related to examination performance. Undergraduate and graduate students between 2018 and 2022 were assigned to three cohorts determined by enrollment in prosection-based anatomy only (n = 334), concurrent enrollment in prosection- and dissection-based anatomy in the same semester (n = 67), or consecutive enrollment in the courses one year apart (n = 43). Concurrent students had higher prosection-based anatomy examination scores than prosection-only and consecutive students. Consecutively, enrolled students outperformed concurrently enrolled students on the first two dissection examinations but showed no performance differences on the third and fourth dissection examinations. While the results on the timing and presentation of anatomical instruction were inconclusive, the results do support increased instructional time using both prosection and dissection modalities concurrently to improve performance on identification-based gross anatomy examinations.