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Medical students perception of problem topics in anatomy
1School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of the Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Objective:
To examine the existence of perceived problem topics/concepts in anatomy, possible reasons for the problems and also student suggestions for alleviating the problems.
Design:
An open-ended questionnaire.
Setting:
School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Subjects:
Two hundred and fifty nine second year medical students.
Main Outcome Measures:
The questionnaire included identification of problem areas, reasons for problems and possible solutions.
Results:
The survey revealed a wide range of problem topics, with the majority being experienced in gross anatomy followed by histology and embryology. It was clear that the students experienced difficulties with 3-dimensional conceptualization and the visualisation of structures.
Conclusion:
A variety of teaching aids may help in addressing this problem and encourage spatially oriented thinking, leading ultimately to an integrated and in-depth understanding of anatomy.