An AcrobatTM-based program for gross anatomy revision

Abstract

Context and setting Our Department of Anatomy uses mainly prosected specimens to teach topographic anatomy to over 400 medical and 500 science, medical physics and biomedical engineering students each year. In addition, we provide distance learning courses for students of safety science. Why the idea was necessary Body donation legislation in our state makes retention of prosected tissue (whether in the dissecting room or in our Anatomy Museum) for more than 4 years extremely difficult. At the same time, funding pressures have reduced the number of skilled staff available for the preparation of quality prosections. These factors make the provision of quality prosected material for student revision problematical. The delivery of distance learning courses also demands a computer-based, self-directed learning and revision program for interstate and overseas students. Modules in the revision program need to be quickly and easily constructed by academic staff from quality digital images of actual specimens and other material which students encounter in their classes and assessments. The modules need to be easily modified to cater to varied levels of detail in our courses. What was done High quality digital images of dissected cadaveric specimens (both wet and plastinated), radiographs and skeletal material were made with the aid of a Leaf Lumina SystemsTM camera. Over 400 images were incorporated into our program, covering all regions of the body and ranging from single isolated internal organs to detailed dissections of neurovascular and muscular elements in the neck, thorax, abdomen, limbs and pelvis. Images were grouped into regional or systematic modules (as appropriate to particular courses) and incorporated into an Adobe AcrobatTM 6.0 template. Structure identification is self-tested with the aid of up to 25 hot-spotted, coloured digital flags per zoomable image panel, which the course authority can place over objects of interest. Students may use these flags in any of 3 ways: in ‘flag’ mode a brief description appears when the cursor is placed over the flag; in ‘name’ mode students click on a flag and choose the correct identification from a pull-down menu, and in ‘quiz’ mode students are asked to correctly identify structures drawn at random for that panel. Up to 6 multiple-choice question flags are included for each image, with random sequencing of options on repeated attempts. The program also generates an index allowing students to quickly locate structures of interest anywhere in the program. Academic staff can produce each image panel within 30–50 minutes, depending on the number of structures and level of question difficulty. Evaluation of results Approximately 250 copies of the program are produced and distributed on demand each year, with students sharing copies between colleagues. Ready availability of the program reduces wear and tear on precious human prosections, while providing students with a convenient revision tool for use at home. The generic nature of the template means that units can be easily tailored for specific groups of students using actual teaching material they will encounter during assessment.