The utility of a gross dissection anatomical model for simulation-based learning in pathology

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Medical Education
• Anatomical Simulation

Background:

• Traditional gross dissection training in pathology faces limitations such as disease transmission risks, formaldehyde exposure, and specimen scarcity.
• Effective training in morphological tissue alterations is crucial for pathology diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel teaching method for gross dissection using anatomical simulators.
• To compare the efficacy of simulator-based training with traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Liquid silicone-based neoplastic anatomical models and clinical scenarios were utilized.
• Eighty-five medical students participated, completing feedback questionnaires.
• A workshop compared three methods: still images (G1), video explanations (G2), and direct observation of a pathologist (G3).

Main Results:

• Students reported high knowledge acquisition (average 4.4/5), particularly in resection margins and macroscopic diagnosis.
• Video explanations (G2) yielded better gross dissection scores (3.7/5) compared to direct observation (G3, 3.4/5) and still images (G1, 3.1/5).
• The simulator group (G3) spent less time on dissection compared to G1 and G2.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical simulators provide a viable and secure environment for medical students to acquire gross dissection skills.
• This simulation-based approach addresses the limitations of traditional pathology training methods.