A Students’ Perception in Learning Human Anatomy Towards Dissection or Prosection

Abstract

Introduction: Cadaveric dissection has been used as a traditional method of teaching and learning for many years. With time, changes in the medical curriculum have reduced the time for anatomy learning and seeking alternative methodologies moving away from traditional learning. With the introduction of new methodology and technology, the question arises whether it is still effective enough to follow the old traditional mode of teaching and learning. With ever-changing medical education, it is important to recognize students' perceptive and attitudes toward learning different methods. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students’ perception towards prosection and dissection in learning anatomy. Methods: The first-year medical students were included in the study. The study was carried out after a series of lectures as per the curriculum. The students were divided into four groups. Each group dissected the cadaver followed by observation of the prosected cadaver explained by the faculty. Questionnaires were prepared related to dissection and prosection and sent to the students using google form. The students' perception towards dissection and prosection was recorded. The results were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. The percentage of students opting for dissection and prosection was calculated. Results: The majority of students (82.5%) preferred dissection over prosection, 2.6% opted for prosection over dissection and 14.9% were still not sure which method of teaching and learning is favorable. Conclusion: The study reflected the traditional method of dissection was more favorable to students while alternative methods can also provide better insight to learning.

Keywords

• Cadaver
• Dissection
• Prosection