162 Utilisation of Dissections vs Prosections in Anatomical Education and Its Relevance in Pursuing Surgical Training: A Comparative Study on Students' Perspectives at a Northern Irish Medical School

Abstract

Abstract Aim This study investigates medical students’ opinions regarding their memorisation, retention and implementation of anatomical learning by comparing prosection and dissection studies offered at the university. Furthermore, we also investigated its significance in students considering the surgical training pathway in the future. Method Medical students at QUB were sent a 10-item survey weighing their preference for dissection and prosection in the retention and application of anatomical knowledge along with its relevance in pursuing surgery. The survey was distributed amongst Year 1 - 5 medical students in an online format, with answers recorded over the span of two weeks. Results 26 QUB medical students across preclinical/clinical years answered the survey, 53.85% of whom preferred dissections for identification, memorisation and employment of information regarding anatomical structures. Students who chose dissection agreed that the process offered more interaction, with deeper knowledge about spatial organ recognition. Meanwhile, prosections were chosen by students who believed focusing on isolated organs helped in mapping their knowledge to relevant learning outcomes. Moreover, 42.11% of respondents found both learning methods helped visualise anatomical concepts outside a medical environment. However, dissection helped most students draw links between pathology and its anatomical basis. Finally, 84.21% considered dissection to play a major role in viewing surgery as a future career. Conclusions While there is an observable difference in respondents' perspectives, the survey indicates an overall preference for dissection in anatomical lab practices. The practice appealed to students better due to its greater interactive experience and tactile approach, with respondents agreeing that dissection mimics true surgical craftsmanship.