Enhancing Gross Anatomy Courses in Occupational Therapy with 3D Applications: An Assessment of Effectiveness

Abstract

Traditional teaching methods, such as two-dimensional PowerPoint presentations, are prevalent in anatomy education but must provide an in-depth perception of anatomical structures. This article discusses integrating 3D anatomy application in an Occupational Therapy course as an advanced technique for anatomical learning. The "Complete 3D Anatomy" app was employed to facilitate the teaching of anatomy structures. Students from 2 different cohorts, 93 from 2022 and 96 from 2023 test scores, were considered in this endeavor. The 2022 group used the 3-D app on their own time, compared to the 2023 group, who were required to use it in class for every lecture by the instructor. Results showed improvement in their test score from 71% (2022) to 87% (2023), with the integration of the 3-D as a class activity. Based on these results, it is concluded that the 3D anatomy app is an essential tool for comprehensive anatomical learning. For future courses, there is a plan to integrate further and assess the benefits of requiring students to employ a tablet or iPad equipped with 3D apps, along with a virtual dissection table to complement teaching and learning enterprises in the human cadaver laboratory.