Comparative study of viva voce on formalin embalmed cadaver and virtual cadaver using objective structured viva voce as an assessment tool in formative assessment of first MBBS students

Abstract

Background: Many anatomic shortcomings of real cadaver are solved by virtual cadavers. Objective structured viva voce is a newer concept that is a systematic, preplanned, organized, effective, and efficient approach for proper assessment of undergraduates minimizing subjectivity. Aim and Objectives: To compare the efficiency of the virtual cadaver over the formalin preserved cadaver for conducting viva-voce during the practical examination of first-year medical undergraduate students using objective structured viva voce. Material and Methods: Objective structured viva voce was conducted for all study participants on formalin preserved cadaver and virtual cadaver followed by a tabulation of results and analysis of the score. Perception regarding the experience of students in both settings was taken by using five points Likert scale. Results: Mean score of the students in viva voce on virtual cadaver was higher as compared to viva voce on the real cadaver. Students felt that detecting and distinguishing between structures was quite challenging due to the color shift in tissue with time in embalmed cadaver. Though they needed to improve their technical skills they were pleased with the various tools on the Anatomage table. Conclusion: It is wise to invest in newer technology in which virtual tools played an important role in teaching/learning and assessment of medical students due to cadaver scarcity.

Keywords

• anatomage table
• objective structured viva-voce
• virtual cadaver