Post mortem computed tomography: An innovative tool for teaching anatomy within pre-registration nursing curricula

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Anatomical Education
• Nursing Studies

Background:

• Post Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional autopsies.
• PMCT offers detailed 2D/3D visualization of anatomy, pathology, and trauma.
• Its educational potential in nursing is being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare traditional anatomy/pathology teaching methods with those supplemented by PMCT.
• To assess the impact of PMCT on pre-registration nursing students' perceived understanding and learning experience.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of 2D/3D PMCT images, videos, and models in anatomical education.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental within-subject design was employed.
• 57 pre-registration student nurses participated in the study.
• Students received traditional teaching, followed by a questionnaire, then the same teaching supplemented with PMCT, followed by another questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.01) in students' perceived understanding and learning experience with PMCT integration.
• Qualitative data revealed positive themes of enhanced visual learning, realism, and patient empathy.
• PMCT significantly improved students' perception of their grasp of anatomy and pathology.

Conclusions:

• PMCT provides a valuable "virtual tour" of the human body for nursing students.
• It offers a rich, authentic learning experience of real clinical scenarios.
• Integrating PMCT enhances nurse education by providing realistic anatomical and pathological insights.