Evaluating knowledge loss over multiple retention intervals can identify deficiencies and inform curricular...

Area of Science:

• Anatomy Education
• Nursing Education
• Knowledge Retention

Background:

• Nursing students often lack sufficient anatomical knowledge for practice.
• The specific patterns and timing of anatomical knowledge loss in nursing students are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent and timing of anatomical knowledge loss in nursing students.
• To identify specific organ systems most affected by knowledge decay.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 80 nursing students were assessed using multiple-choice quizzes.
• Anatomical knowledge was evaluated across 11 organ systems over three academic years (second, third, and fourth).
• Results were compared to first-year scores to quantify knowledge loss.

Main Results:

• Overall anatomical knowledge loss was 33.5% in the second year, 31.8% in the third, and 29.6% in the fourth year.
• Significant system-specific variations in knowledge loss were observed, including the special senses, vascular, and musculoskeletal systems.
• Knowledge retention patterns varied by organ system and academic year, with some systems showing improvement over time.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical knowledge retention in nursing students is not uniform and varies significantly by organ system and academic progression.
• Identifying specific knowledge gaps and timing is crucial for developing targeted educational strategies.
• This research provides valuable insights for optimizing anatomy curricula in nursing programs.