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Autopsy Observation as Experiential Learning for Nurse Practitioner Students in an Online Advanced Pathophysiology
Megan M Keiser1, Margaret Murray-Wright
1Author Affiliations: Director of Undergraduate Nursing Affairs and Assistant Professor of Nursing (Dr Keiser) and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing (Ms Murray-Wright), University of Michigan-Flint, School of Nursing.
Background:
Many instructional classrooms now exist in the online environment, where it is difficult to integrate experiential teaching strategies. Autopsy-based education has been shown to be a valuable teaching tool for pathophysiology in a medical school curriculum.
Problem:
There is a gap in the literature about the use of an autopsy observation in nurse practitioner (NP) education.
Approach:
The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an autopsy experience for NP students in an online advanced pathophysiology course.
Outcomes:
Based on a review of course evaluations and reflective essays, the majority of students found this to be a valuable learning experience. The main barrier was locating a facility and scheduling the autopsy observation.
Conclusion:
The benefits outweigh the barriers to providing experiential learning with an autopsy observation in an online pathophysiology course. As such, it should be considered in similar course offerings.
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