The impact of modifications in cadaver dissection time on student learning outcomes in a doctor of physical therapy...

Human anatomy is a foundational component of medical and allied health professional education. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are required to teach anatomy, however the pedagogies used are at the discretion of faculty and institutions. Cadaver dissection may have been the predominant instruction methodology in DPT programs in the past; new technology provides alternative interactive teaching methods. This paper describes the modifications in an anatomy curriculum over 5 years in one DPT program, and the impact on student perception and learning outcomes. This was a retrospective, quantitative study that utilized a survey to collect data on student perceptions about the anatomy pedagogy; the learning outcomes analyzed were grades and licensure exam pass rates. We report on outcomes for five cohorts within one DPT program. IRB approval was obtained for the research. Despite the decrease in cadaver laboratory time after 2016, students' final exam grades in Gross Anatomy improved and the first time pass rate for the national licensure exam increased. Most students rated cadaver laboratory and the active learning assignments that replaced traditional cadaver laboratory time as valuable to their learning; however, there were differences in opinions between cohorts. Although the outcomes might not reflect a direct result of dissection time, the study confirmed that using alternative methods for teaching anatomy did not hinder student performance. Using innovative pedagogy allows educators to achieve student success in spite of decreased gross dissection time.