Anatomical eModule Curriculum: Perceptions of Undergraduate Medical Students Amidst Limited Experiential Laboratory Learning

Taylor J. Kratochvil, Kaeli K. Samson, Kari L. Nelson, Travis L. McCumber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Over the past several years, undergraduate medical students were subject to variable learning environments amidst pandemic-related restrictions, challenging long-established experiential learning approaches. Concurrently, health science institutions have been revisiting the value (or lack thereof) of human body dissection. This study examined student experience using a supplemental gross anatomy eModule before, during, and after limitation of in-person experiential gross anatomy curriculum and which eModule attributes students find valuable. Materials and Methods: First-year medical students received a supplemental Distal Upper Limb anatomy eModule from 2019 to 2021 (n = 394). eModule users received a Post-eModule/Pre-Exam survey from 2019 to 2021, and a Post-eModule/Post-Exam survey in 2021. Both surveys included Likert-type and free-response questions. Results: In Post-eModule/Pre-Exam surveys (2019, 2020, 2021, n = 95), students in the 2021 cohort responded most positively to the eModule’s convenience, but most negatively when comparing the eModule to in-person dissection. In Post-eModule/Post-Exam surveys (2021, n = 18), > 75% of students indicated the eModule adequately prepared them to answer eModule-related exam questions. In free-response submissions, users highlighted the use of photos of anatomic dissections as the most beneficial feature. Deficiencies included the absence of figure legends and limited angles/views of specimens. Conclusions: This study may serve to guide the features included in future digital gross anatomy resources and aid in illustrating student perception of limited in-person experiential learning opportunities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1001-1009
Number of pages9
JournalMedical Science Educator
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Computer-based learning
  • Curricular reform
  • Experiential Learning Theory
  • Pandemic curriculum
  • UME
  • eLearning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Education

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