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Personal Preparation of Medical Students for the Human Dissection Experience: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Anatomical dissection is a cause of distress for many medical students. Explicit pedagogical strategies are important in reducing student distress and supporting their personal development. A systematic review of PubMed, Ovid, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases was conducted to examine quantitative data regarding medical school interventions to reduce the negative psychological and moral impact of anatomical dissection on medical students. Of 1189 unique abstracts, 14 papers met screening criteria. Student distress decreased with the use of educational audiovisual materials and graded exposure to donor bodies. Educational lectures, memorial ceremonies, and utilization of background music had mixed results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Drive, Danville, PA, 17822, USA

    Anas M. Qatanani

  2. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Anas M. Qatanani, Oren Fishman, Dhaval Khamar & Steven Rosenzweig

Authors
  1. Anas M. Qatanani
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  2. Oren Fishman
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  4. Steven Rosenzweig
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Correspondence to Anas M. Qatanani.

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Practice Points

• Anatomical dissection may be a cause of moral distress for medical students and is an opportunity for personal development.

• Graded exposure techniques, including the use of prosected specimens, consistently decrease student distress.

• Video materials, live presentations, initiation ceremonies, and background music have varied effects on medical student distress.

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Qatanani, A.M., Fishman, O., Khamar, D. et al. Personal Preparation of Medical Students for the Human Dissection Experience: A Systematic Review. Med.Sci.Educ. 33, 1271–1281 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-023-01868-y

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