An Initial Preparation for Cadaveric Dissection Ameliorates the Associated Mental distress of Human Cadaveric Dissection

Abstract

IntroductionIt is universally recognized that cadaveric dissection is an essential part of training in anatomy. However, it has also been reported to lead to mental distress in some students and can even impair their intrinsic motivation to study. One of the postulated reasons for this behavior is the lack of adequate information and preparation for cadaveric dissection. Hence it is hypothesized that providing relevant information prior to cadaveric dissection will ameliorate the mental distress of students, and improve in their academic performance.MethodsA cohort of Masters of Occupational Therapy students enrolled in an Anatomy course were provided with a curated list of journal articles and videos related to cadaveric dissection, prior to the start of the course. All students were also required to attend an oral presentation related to cadaveric dissection, immediately before commencing of dissection. The control group consisted of students who had not been provided any information or prepared for cadaveric dissection.ResultsWhen compared to the control group, students who had been prepared for cadaveric dissection reported a lesser degree of mental distress. In addition, they also demonstrated greater intrinsic motivation, and better quality of cadaveric dissection. Moreover, students reported the oral presentation to be most relevant and journal articles to be least useful in this regard.ConclusionHence preparation for cadaveric dissection is a valuable approach in the amelioration of mental distress and improvement of academic performance in anatomy students. Therefore, it is suggested that this approach could be a requisite in human anatomy.Support or Funding InformationJoydeep D Chaudhuri Joydeep D Chaudhuri, MD Associate Professor, School of Occupational Therapy 314 Commons Husson University, 1 College Circle Bangor, ME 04401 Tel: 207 8528747 Email: chaudhurij@husson.edu