1
|
Grachan JJ, Robinson R, Doll J, Stevens K, Leeper BJ. Donor memorialization practices at religious institutions in the United States. Anat Sci Educ 2024. [PMID: 38610080 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Many institutions worldwide honor the gift of human body donors through memorial services, ceremonies, and various other means, such as guided reflection or art activities. Memorial services can vary when it comes to the name, who is involved in the planning, and who may attend. Within the United States, the role of religion in the planning and delivery of these ceremonies at religious institutions has yet to be actively explored. This study aimed to collect information about human body donor memorialization practices at religious institutions in the United States to help guide further suggestions for enhancing inclusivity in these practices. This study utilized a voluntary survey that was distributed to anatomy educators and human body donor programs to complete if they were from a religious institution that utilized human body donors. Based on the data collected in this study (n = 39), most religious institutions have some form of donor memorialization practices, which may or may not include a formal memorial service. In these practices described by survey participants, religion was commonly represented using an interfaith approach, in which campus ministry often assisted in planning and facilitating the memorialization. Those with masses/services refer to them by different names, and most occur in a religious-specific place on campus. In conclusion, among survey participants at religious institutions that utilize and memorialize human body donors, most take an inclusive interfaith approach to their memorialization practices, as this can be more representative of the body donors and students who learn from them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Grachan
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rhiannon Robinson
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Doll
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois, USA
| | - Kelsey Stevens
- Department of Health Sciences, Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bobbie J Leeper
- Biology and Physician Assistant Programs, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leeper BJ, Grachan JJ, Robinson R, Doll J, Stevens K. Honoring human body donors: Five core themes to consider regarding ethical treatment and memorialization. Anat Sci Educ 2024; 17:483-498. [PMID: 38197550 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Dissection of human body donors is a common component of anatomy curricula, as it provides opportunities for tactile and intellectual engagement unmatched otherwise. Additionally, interaction with human body donors contributes to the "hidden curriculum" of allowing students to begin to ethically practice patient care with empathy, respect, and compassion. With this, there have been various proposed guidelines for the ethical treatment of human body donors, with most focusing on student reflections and a final ceremony for honoring the donors, but there are numerous other ways throughout the course to incorporate ethical values and to guide students to consider the humanity of the donor. This article proposes that institutions consider the incorporation of five easily implemented formalized ethical themes for working with human body donations into daily practices: (1) reflect the donor as possessing human dignity, (2) recognize the donor's role of the "First Patient" or "Silent Teacher," (3) honor the gift of human body donation, (4) recognize the decedent's family, and (5) consider inclusivity in memorialization practices. Multiple recommendations for integrating these five themes throughout the course are provided. The incorporation of these five core themes can assist in alleviating the psychological stress that some students struggle with in dissection courses, foster the feelings and attributes that comprise the hidden curriculum and are the desired characteristics of a caring medical provider, and discourage misuse and mistreatment of donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bobbie J Leeper
- Biology and Physician Assistant Programs, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeremy J Grachan
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rhiannon Robinson
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Doll
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois, USA
| | - Kelsey Stevens
- Department of Health Sciences, Briar Cliff University, Sioux City, Iowa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brown W, Afshari S, Zhou M, Lythgoe J, Walsh R, Hielscher AC. Living and post-mortem CT scans in the gross anatomy lab: A study investigating differences in first-year medical students' exam performance and perceptions. Anat Sci Educ 2024; 17:468-482. [PMID: 38213130 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Basic competency in radiological imaging is essential for physicians to identify and manage diseases. An optimal place in which to include imaging in the medical curriculum is during anatomy as students can correlate the 3D anatomy from their body donors with the 2D cross-sectional anatomy. The goal of this project was to enhance first-year medical students' knowledge of cross-sectional imaging in the gross anatomy lab and to investigate whether there are benefits to learning cross sectional imaging via scans from body donors versus living individuals. Student participant performance was evaluated on laboratory practical examinations, CT image questions and spatial anatomical knowledge in the thorax and abdomen sections of gross anatomy. Students learned the cross-sectional imaging during dissections where they accessed the images relevant to their study on Pacsbin, a web-based Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine viewer, via iPads. Results showed no statistically significant differences in practical examination scores, spatial anatomical knowledge, or identification of anatomical structures on CT image questions between participants who learned from images on body donors versus living individuals. In a questionnaire given at the end of the course, participants cited that the CT images improved their anatomical and imaging knowledge and that they felt better prepared to use imaging software and interpret diagnostic imaging results upon entering clerkships. While there were no differences in academic performance between the groups, positive outcomes regarding student perceptions of anatomical and imaging knowledge and preparedness for use of imaging software were identified in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Brown
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Sam Afshari
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Megan Zhou
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Jacob Lythgoe
- Department of Radiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Ryan Walsh
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Abigail C Hielscher
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hadie SNH, Gasmalla HEE, Wadi MM, Zainul Abidin MA, Yusoff MSB. From generosity to gratitude: Exploring Islamic views on body donation, human dissection, and honoring the gift of life. Anat Sci Educ 2024. [PMID: 38332675 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Human dissection is an ancient pedagogical method that is still relevant in modern anatomy curricula. The body procurement process for dissection purposes has undergone significant evolution from the medieval era until now, whereby body donation has become the main source for human bodies in medical education. The appreciation ceremony for body donors is an excellent way to promote a body donation program, whereby both dissection and appreciation ceremonies are effective in inculcating professional behaviors and altruism among medical students. Despite the benefits of dissection and such ceremonies, conflicting ideas about the acceptability of these methods exist among Muslim scholars and students. Hence, this article provides a theological Islamic interpretation of human dissection, body donation, and appreciation ceremonies from four sources of Islamic law-the Qur'an, Hadith, Idjmaa, and Qiyas-to justify Muslims' involvement in the aforementioned. It is important to note that the fundamentals of Islam are submission to the will of the one and only God, Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala (SWT) and recognition of Prophet Muhamad (peace be upon him) as the last messenger of God. Therefore, the actions of a Muslim are strongly based on faith and virtue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | | | - Majed M Wadi
- Medical Education Department, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin
- Jabatan Mufti Negeri Perlis, Kangar, Malaysia
- School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Centre for the Development of Academic Excellence, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Englisch CN, Steinhäuser J, Wemmert S, Jung M, Gawlitza J, Wenzel G, Schick B, Tschernig T. Immunohistochemistry Reveals TRPC Channels in the Human Hearing Organ-A Novel CT-Guided Approach to the Cochlea. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119290. [PMID: 37298241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
TRPC channels are critical players in cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons, as demonstrated in animal experiments. However, evidence for TRPC expression in the human cochlea is still lacking. This reflects the logistic and practical difficulties in obtaining human cochleae. The purpose of this study was to detect TRPC6, TRPC5 and TRPC3 in the human cochlea. Temporal bone pairs were excised from ten body donors, and the inner ear was first assessed based on computed tomography scans. Decalcification was then performed using 20% EDTA solutions. Immunohistochemistry with knockout-tested antibodies followed. The organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the spiral lamina, spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerves were specifically stained. This unique report of TRPC channels in the human cochlea supports the hypothesis of the potentially critical role of TRPC channels in human cochlear health and disease which has been suggested in previous rodent experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colya N Englisch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jakob Steinhäuser
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Silke Wemmert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Martin Jung
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Joshua Gawlitza
- Institute of Radiology, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Gentiana Wenzel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Thomas Tschernig
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Czech H, Weindling P, Druml C. From scientific exploitation to individual memorialization: Evolving attitudes towards research on Nazi victims' bodies. Bioethics 2021; 35:508-517. [PMID: 33748995 PMCID: PMC8360009 DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the Third Reich, state-sponsored violence was linked to scientific research on many levels. Prisoners were used as involuntary subjects for medical experiments, and body parts from victims were used in anatomy and neuropathology on a massive scale. In many cases, such specimens remained in scientific collections and were used until long after the war. International bioethics, for a long time, had little to say on the issue. Since the late 1980s, with a renewed interest in the Holocaust and other Nazi crimes, a consensus has increasingly taken hold that research on human tissues and body parts from the Nazi era is inadmissible, and that such specimens should be removed from scientific collections and buried. The question of what to do with scientific data obtained from these sources has not received adequate attention, however, and remains unsolved. This paper traces the history of debates about the ethical implications of using human tissue or body parts from the Nazi period for scientific purposes, primarily in the fields of anatomy and neuropathology. It also examines how this issue, from after the war until today, influenced the establishment of legal and bioethical norms on the use of human remains from morally tainted sources, with a particular emphasis on Germany and Austria. It is argued that the use of such specimens and of data derived from them is unethical not only because of potential harms to posthumous rights of the victims, but also because such use constitutes a moral harm to society at large.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herwig Czech
- Department of Ethics, Collections, and History of Medicine (Josephinum)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Paul Weindling
- Department of History, Philosophy and CultureOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Christiane Druml
- Department of Ethics, Collections, and History of Medicine (Josephinum)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ackermann J, Wedel T, Holthaus B, Bojahr B, Hackethal A, Brucker S, Biebl M, Westermann M, Günther V, Krüger M, Maass N, Mettler L, Peters G, Alkatout I. Didactic Benefits of Surgery on Body Donors during Live Surgery Events in Minimally Invasive Surgery. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092912. [PMID: 32917056 PMCID: PMC7563950 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Live surgery events serve as a valuable tool for surgical education, but also raise ethical concerns about patient safety and professional performance. In the present study, we evaluate the technical feasibility and didactic benefits of live surgery on body donors compared to real patients. Methods: A live surgery session performed on a body donor’s cadaver embalmed in ethanol–glycerol–lysoformin was integrated into the live surgery program presented at a major gynecological convention of minimally invasive surgery. Surgical procedures carried out in real patients were paralleled in the body donor, including the dissection and illustration of surgically relevant anatomical landmarks. A standardized questionnaire was filled by the participants (n = 208) to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness, and benefits of this novel concept. Results: The live surgery event was appreciated as a useful educational tool. With regard to the use of body donors, authenticity was rated high (85.5%), and the overall value of body donors for surgical education and training was rated very high (95.0%). The didactic benefit of simultaneous operations performed on body donors and real patients was considered particularly useful (95.5%), whereas complete replacement of real patients by body donors was not favored (14.5%). Conclusions: The study demonstrated both the technical feasibility and didactic benefits of performing minimally invasive surgery in body donors as part of live surgery events. This novel concept has the potential to enhance anatomical knowledge, providing insights into complex surgical procedures, and may serve to overcome yet unresolved ethical concerns related to live surgery events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Ackermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Thilo Wedel
- Institute of Anatomy, Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Otto-Hahn-Platz 8, 24118 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Bernd Holthaus
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, 49401 Damme, Germany;
| | - Bernd Bojahr
- Clinic of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Kurstraße 11, 14129 Berlin-Zehlendorf, Germany;
| | | | - Sara Brucker
- Department für Frauengesundheit, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwer Straße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Matthias Biebl
- Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Martina Westermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Veronika Günther
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Magret Krüger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Liselotte Mettler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Göntje Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller Str. 3, House C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.A.); (M.W.); (V.G.); (M.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-431-500-21450
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang J, Chen Q, Zhang M, Hong T, Huang K, Meng H, Ding J, Zhang L. Effects of Commemorations and Postdonation Services on Public Willingness to Donate Bodies in China. Anat Sci Educ 2020; 13:218-229. [PMID: 31074191 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Multiple body donation programs have been established throughout China over the last 20 years, but these programs remain challenged by an insufficient supply of cadavers for medical education. The commemoration of body donors is a feature of many successful programs, and adopting this practice throughout the country could be an important element of raising public awareness and encouraging body donation among the public. The present study aimed to investigate public views on the commemoration of whole-body donors and postdonation services in China by analyzing the factors that influence participants' willingness to donate. A survey was conducted using convenience sampling with a non-probability sampling method, and data were analyzed using chi-square and post hoc multiple comparisons tests. A total of 1,800 questionnaires were distributed, 1,717 were returned, and 1,605 were considered valid. Of the respondents, 20.87% were willing to donate, and 64.80% thought that it is necessary to commemorate donors. The results of multiple comparisons demonstrated that the elderly and those with a higher educational level were more willing to donate than participants in other groups. Education was also found to influence views on donation memorial activities, and the chi-square test revealed that conducting commemorations and improving postdonation services can promote the establishment of successful donor programs in China and improve the social acceptance of body donation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghuo Chen
- Jinling Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongtong Hong
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Huang
- Kangda College, Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Meng
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiong Ding
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Body Donation Receiving Station, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Luqing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Body Donation Receiving Station, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Iaconisi J, Hasselblatt F, Mayer B, Schoen M, Böckers TM, Böckers A. Effects of an Educational Film About Body Donors on Students' Empathy and Anxiety Levels in Gross Anatomy. Anat Sci Educ 2019; 12:386-398. [PMID: 30925012 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While most German anatomy institutes provide only limited information about body donors and their lives, students have expressed a desire to learn more about these individuals, especially about their motivations to donate their bodies for the sake of medical education. In order to gratify this wish, as well as to further humanize body donors, an educational film was compiled, and a study designed to capture the film's effects on medical students. This is the first study using standardized, validated psychological tools to evaluate the impact of an educational film about body donors on students' empathy and psychological stress levels. The study followed a longitudinal, controlled, and cluster randomized design, including 77 (48 females/29 males) participants who watched the video either before, midway, or after the dissection course. Questionnaires were completed at four points in time applying the Jefferson Scale for Empathy (JSPE-S) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to measure empathy. Psychological stress levels were recorded by the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Overall, students recommended the film to be shown to all students (median 6.0; maximum on the six-point Likert scale). Viewing the film revealed no significant changes between study groups or over time in JSPE-S sum scores. All groups demonstrated a significant reduction of BSI values before the dissection course actually started and increased values during the course, but both developments appeared not to be associated with the intervention. Overall, the educational film did not correlate with any negative effects on students' empathy and psychological stress levels, and it was strongly approved of by students, as it provided more humanizing personal information about body donors without violating their anonymity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Iaconisi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Friederike Hasselblatt
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schoen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Maria Böckers
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Böckers
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hildebrandt S. The Role of History and Ethics of Anatomy in Medical Education. Anat Sci Educ 2019; 12:425-431. [PMID: 30580499 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While time spent on anatomical education in medical school curricula has been diminishing over the last decades, the recognized role of anatomical dissection has expanded. It is perceived by many students and faculty not only as the means of learning the structure and function of the human body, but also as an opportunity for the acquisition of professional competencies such as team work, patient-doctor interaction, medical epistemology, self-awareness, and an understanding of medical ethics. This viewpoint article proposes that this learning process can be supported effectively through studying examples from the history of anatomy, as insights from this history can help illuminate contemporary ethical issues in anatomy and medicine. Anatomical education can thus provide not only the opportunity of gaining awareness of ethical questions, but also a chance to practice these new insights within the protected environment of the laboratories, in interaction with the dead and the living. Consequently, a new role has developed for anatomists, which includes the interweaving of the scholarly exploration of the history and ethics of anatomy with the practical application of research results into a reframed concept of anatomical education. Anatomy, as a foundational discipline in the medical curriculum, can thus provide a first step on the educational path of empathetic and humane medical caregivers.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Anatomists/organization & administration
- Anatomists/psychology
- Anatomy/education
- Anatomy/ethics
- Anatomy/history
- Cadaver
- Clinical Competence
- Curriculum/trends
- Dissection
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/ethics
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate/trends
- Ethics, Medical/education
- Ethics, Medical/history
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Humans
- Professional Role
- Schools, Medical/ethics
- Schools, Medical/organization & administration
- Schools, Medical/trends
- Students, Medical/psychology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hildebrandt
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hasselblatt F, Messerer DAC, Keis O, Böckers TM, Böckers A. Anonymous body or first patient? A status report and needs assessment regarding the personalization of donors in dissection courses in German, Austrian, and Swiss Medical Schools. Anat Sci Educ 2018; 11:282-293. [PMID: 29742328 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many Anglo-American universities have undertaken a paradigm shift in how the dissection of human material is approached, such that students are encouraged to learn about the lives of body donors, and to respectfully "personalize" them as human beings, rather than treating the specimens as anonymous cadavers. For the purposes of this study, this provision of limited personal information regarding the life of a body donor will be referred to as "personalization" of body donors. At this time, it is unknown whether this paradigm shift in the personalization of body donors can be translated into the German-speaking world. A shift from donor anonymity to donor personalization could strengthen students' perception of the donor as a "first patient," and thereby reinforce their ability to empathize with their future patients. Therefore, this study aimed to collect data about the current status of donation practices at German-speaking anatomy departments (n = 44) and to describe the opinions of anatomy departments, students (n = 366), and donors (n = 227) about possible donor personalization in medical education. Anatomy departments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. One-tenth of registered donors at Ulm University were randomly selected and received a questionnaire (20 items, yes-no questions) by mail. Students at the University of Ulm were also surveyed at the end of the dissection course (31 items, six-point Likert-scale). The majority of students were interested in receiving additional information about their donors (78.1%). A majority of donors also supported the anonymous disclosure of information about their medical history (92.5%). However, this information is only available in about 28% of the departments surveyed and is communicated to the students only irregularly. Overall, 78% of anatomy departments were not in favor of undertaking donor personalization. The results appear to reflect traditional attitudes among anatomy departments. However, since students clearly preferred receiving additional donor information, and most donors expressed a willingness to provide this information, one could argue that a change in attitudes is necessary. To do so, official recommendations for a limited, anonymous personalization of donated cadaveric specimens might be necessary. Anat Sci Educ 11: 282-293. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Hasselblatt
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - David A C Messerer
- Department of Evaluation and Quality Management, Ulm University, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver Keis
- Department of Evaluation and Quality Management, Ulm University, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M Böckers
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Böckers
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kramer B, Hutchinson EF. Transformation of a cadaver population: Analysis of a South African cadaver program, 1921-2013. Anat Sci Educ 2015; 8:445-51. [PMID: 25475681 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Anatomy has served as a cornerstone in the training of various allied and clinical disciplines and has traditionally been based on dissection of the human body. Thus, to pursue this method of teaching and learning, access to cadavers is of continuing importance. Over a significant period of time unclaimed cadavers have performed an essential role in the teaching of anatomy in South Africa and in Africa. As recent cadaver numbers were declining at the School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and difficulty in procurement was being experienced, the purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the composition of our cadaver population over time so as to provide possible strategies to arrest the decline. A retrospective, quantitative analysis of cadaver records from the School of Anatomical Sciences between 1921 and 2013 was undertaken. Analysis included a comparison of Poisson counts and Fischer's exact test. A significant decrease in the number of cadavers received during the period 2000-2013 and a slow bequest program over the same period of time has led to concerns about the sustainability of teaching anatomy through dissection. Decreases in the numbers of males and cadavers of the black population group occurred between 1990 and 2013, and of bequests from 2000 to 2013. An influence on the cadaver population from a changing political climate and change in socioeconomic status of part of the population was perceived. Changes in sex and population group of the cadavers may have a long-term effect on teaching and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Kramer
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jones TW, Lachman N, Pawlina W. Honoring our donors: a survey of memorial ceremonies in United States anatomy programs. Anat Sci Educ 2014; 7:219-23. [PMID: 24753299 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Many anatomy programs that incorporate dissection of donated human bodies hold memorial ceremonies of gratitude towards body donors. The content of these ceremonies may include learners' reflections on mortality, respect, altruism, and personal growth told through various humanities modalities. The task of planning is usually student- and faculty-led with participation from other health care students. Objective information on current memorial ceremonies for body donors in anatomy programs in the United States appears to be lacking. The number of programs in the United States that currently plan these memorial ceremonies and information on trends in programs undertaking such ceremonies remain unknown. Gross anatomy program directors throughout the United States were contacted and asked to respond to a voluntary questionnaire on memorial ceremonies held at their institution. The results (response rate 68.2%) indicated that a majority of human anatomy programs (95.5%) hold memorial ceremonies. These ceremonies are, for the most part, student-driven and nondenominational or secular in nature. Participants heavily rely upon speech, music, poetry, and written essays, with a small inclusion of other humanities modalities, such as dance or visual art, to explore a variety of themes during these ceremonies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trahern W Jones
- Mayo Medical School, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | |
Collapse
|