Students’ perception on cadaveric dissection in learning gross anatomy for clinical application: Development of a tool using DELPHI technique

Abstract

Anatomy remains key for learning other disciplines in medicine and forms the basis for good clinical practice. Gross Anatomy is an integral part of anatomy curriculum which is taught through different teaching methodologies including cadaveric dissection. This method has many advantages as well as limitations. Since the attendance for gross anatomy practical is compulsory for the students for medical institutions such as that of University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, the actual perception of students towards dissection is not known. In addition, perception of students towards application of learnt gross anatomy in the clinical setting is important in designing / reviewing the anatomy curriculum. Thus, the main objective of this study was to develop a tool to measure the students’ perception on cadaveric dissection in learning gross anatomy for clinical application.A two round - DELPHI survey was chosen to develop a tool by establishing consensus among experts. Extensive literature survey was carried out to obtain relevant input to prepare the draft of the research tool. The participated experts were professors in anatomy, surgery, English language and medical education. A six – point Likert scale tool was finalized subsequent to two rounds of DELPHI technique, and its subsequent application among thirty recent graduates. Anonymity was maintained throughout the whole process.