KITAHARA Shuji
   Department   Research Institutes and Facilities, Research Institutes and Facilities
   Position   Associate Professor (Fixed Term)
Article types Original article
Language English
Peer review Peer reviewed
Title Initiating Students' Reflections on Life's Passing in the Anatomy Course - An International Observation at 14 Universities.
Journal Formal name:Annals of anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : official organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
Abbreviation:Ann Anat
ISSN code:16180402/09409602
Domestic / ForeginForegin
Volume, Issue, Page 237,pp.151741
International coauthorship International coauthorship
Author and coauthor WU Anette, YU Ann Chen Xi, CHANG Cynthia Soledad, GOEL Rahul, SAGOO Mandeep Gill, SAKURAI Takeshi, VIRANTA-KOVANEN Suvi, CHIEN Chung-Liang, TRAXLER Hannes, WASCHKE Jens, KITAHARA Shuji, KEAY Kevin, OLSEN Jorgen, BATTI Salma El, VIELMUND Franziska, SIGMUND Anna Magdalena, ZEROUAL Mina, KUNZEL Carol, BERND Paulette, WINGATE Richard, KIELSTAIN Heike, NOEL Geoffroy P J C
Publication date 2021/09
Summary BACKGROUND:Medical and dental students' feelings and thoughts about the topic of death and life's passing are often associated with learning in the gross anatomy course, when students begin working with a deceased body donor in order to study human anatomy. Little is known of whether the format of anatomy teaching has an impact on these experiences. An observational study was performed to capture the initiation of students' sentiments on the topic of life's passing during the anatomy course at 14 international universities, identify common themes regarding these thoughts, and to study the connection to variations in anatomy course formats and included elements.METHOD:Preclinical anatomy students reflected on one question (i.e., "How did your experience in the anatomy laboratory bring about your reflections on the meaning of life and human existence as well as the sanctity of one's passing?"). Written assignments were collected and anonymously coded. Information on anatomy courses was obtained via faculty questionnaires.RESULT:A variety of themes were identified at the different schools, correlated with different anatomy formats and elements. Results indicate that the courses that offer hands-on cadaveric dissections may play an important role in triggering these sentiments.DISCUSSION:The initiation of students' sentiments about the topic of death varies and includes several themes. There can be a connection to the way anatomy is taught, particularly if hands-on comprehensive cadaveric dissection or prosections are included.CONCLUSION:In summary, anatomy courses can initiate students' thinking about life's passing - particularly in schools that offer hands-on cadaveric dissections or prosections.
DOI 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151741
PMID 33892095