The integrated anatomy practical paper: A robust assessment method for anatomy education today

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy Assessment

Background:

• Traditional anatomy assessments like "spotter" exams and multiple-choice questions often fail to evaluate higher cognitive domains and clinical application.
• Current integrated medical curricula require assessment methods that reflect a case-based, spiral, and integrative learning approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Integrated Anatomy Practical Paper (IAPP) as a hybrid assessment tool.
• To determine if the IAPP can effectively assess higher cognitive levels in anatomy, clinical features, and interdisciplinary integration.
• To assess the reliability and practicality of the IAPP.

Main Methods:

• The IAPP, a hybrid of "spotter" exams and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), was implemented in a Bachelor of Medicine program.
• Data from four IAPP examinations over two academic years, involving 440 students, were analyzed for reliability using Cronbach's alpha.
• Bloom's Taxonomy was applied to assess the shift in cognitive complexity of examination questions over time (2009-2013).

Main Results:

• The IAPP demonstrated consistently strong reliability coefficients (Cronbach's alpha up to 0.923).
• Application of Bloom's Taxonomy revealed a significant shift towards higher cognitive levels: a 26% decrease in "remember knowledge" questions and increases of 15% in "understanding" and 12% in "applying" domains.
• The IAPP proved practical to administer within a 40-minute timeframe with 60 items.

Conclusions:

• The Integrated Anatomy Practical Paper (IAPP) is a reliable and practical assessment tool for medical education.
• The IAPP successfully evaluates higher cognitive domains, clinical application, and interdisciplinary integration in anatomy.
• This assessment method aligns with integrated curricula and prepares students for clinical practice.