An anatomical resource clinical training center using cadavers as simulated patients: utility, management & best practices

Abstract

Emerging challenges of medical education include the vital task of knowledge application to clinical practice, finding incremental benchmarks of competency in a longitudinal curriculum and the need for a continuum of life‐long learning resources for professionals in practice. We have employed elements of contextual learning theory to guide renovations and to develop new curriculum components meeting these needs. An Anatomical Resource Clinical Training Center (ARCTC) was first opened in 2003 to utilize fresh un‐embalmed human cadavers as simulated patients for the applied learning and competency assessment of professionals in training as well as professionals in practice. ARCTC is used for supervised basic and advanced clinical skill assessment as well as multidisciplinary team training. Each cadaver table includes a display for a ccTV system and wireless resources. In some cases, cadaver CT or X‐Ray images are first acquired for use at the table during procedure training. CSF, venous and arterial volumes can be regulated with catheter lines and carefully prepared skin flaps can be used to unveil deeper structures. ARCTC provides risk free participant praxis. Each year the center provides approximately 4,000 lab encounter hours through clerkship use in the medical curriculum and advanced multi‐disciplinary training to professionals from 16 different clinical services and regional meetings.