Post mortem CT scans as a supplementary teaching method in gross anatomy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Integrating radiologic imaging into anatomy dissection courses is increasing.
• However, studies evaluating the learning outcomes of such interventions are scarce or lack robust study designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of computed tomography (CT) courses on medical students' learning outcomes in gross anatomy and radiologic anatomy.
• To evaluate student perceptions of the CT intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with medical students during a 6-week gross anatomy course.
• The intervention group (n=53) received weekly 30-minute CT courses, while the control group (n=329) received standard teaching.
• Learning was assessed using pre- and post-course comparative self-assessments (CSA) and a post-course formative assessment on radiologic anatomy.

Main Results:

• Most intervention group students rated the CT courses positively.
• No significant differences were found in CSA or formative assessment scores between the intervention and control groups.
• The CT intervention did not enhance the recognition of anatomical structures in radiological images beyond standard anatomy course learning.

Conclusions:

• The implemented CT teaching intervention did not demonstrably improve learning outcomes in radiologic anatomy.
• Curricular interventions integrating radiology and anatomy should incorporate psychological principles of learning and rigorously monitor outcomes.
• Further research is required to develop effective, long-term curricular strategies for radiology and anatomy education.