157 - Pedagogical Utility of Youtube Videos in a Human Cadaveric Dissection-based Anatomy Course

Poster Board Number: 157
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Odd poster #s – first hour
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Co-authors:

Abdulghafoor Alani - Central Michigan University College of Medicine; Vishrudh Vasudevan - Central Michigan University College of Medicine; Joydeep Chaudhuri - Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Abstract Body : Introduction



Curricular changes in healthcare education have led to the curtailment of human cadaveric dissection (HCD) within the anatomy curriculum. This is detrimental as the cognitive and sensory experiences during HCD are critical for an appreciation of the intricacies of human structure. However, HCD is challenging for students since it requires procedural skills, recognition of complex anatomical relationships and the emphasis on self-directed learning. Hence, it is predictable that students would explore videos available on the YouTube (YTVs) to prepare for HCD. However, research on their utility in preparing students for HCD is still in the nascent stage. Further, following reports of inaccurate information, educators are concerned about the appropriateness of YTVs for anatomy training.



Aim



The aim of this study was to analyze the general characteristics and utility of YTVs in training in HCD.



Methods



Google Chrome browser was used in incognito mode to locate YTVs using the terms “human cadaveric dissection” and “human anatomy dissection”. Using a simple, naturalistic search strategy, only English language YTVs were located according to the YouTube algorithm on the day of the search.



The aesthetical quality of these YTVs was ranked based on the image clarity, sound quality and use of visual cues. The utility of the YTVs in learning anatomy was scored on their instructional capacity for HCD and demonstrate the complex anatomical relationships. The YTVs were rated on a Likert scale with 1-5 (very poor-excellent). The comments of viewers about the videos were also examined. All assessments were performed by three medical students and three anatomy educators.



Results



Based on predetermined criteria, a total of 79 YTVs were analyzed. Their average aesthetical quality was 4.31 ± 0.21 and their utility in learning anatomy was 3.04. ± 0.32. The interrater reliability for aesthetical quality and the utility of the YTVs in learning anatomy were 0.827 and 0.836 respectively.

The positive comments from viewers focused on the audiovisual presentation and utility of YTVs in learning anatomy. Most of the negative comments highlighted the need for more accurate descriptions of dissection, and difficulty in locating relevant information.



Discussion:



Due to diminishing opportunities for HCD, anatomy teaching is becoming increasingly reliant on multimedia-based teaching initiatives. Therefore, the capacity to combine audio, video, text-based comments in YTVs represents a significant opportunity to enhance anatomy learning. However, since these approaches have been largely piecemeal, current YTVs are limited in their capacity to assist students in the acquisition of anatomical knowledge. Therefore, YTVs needs to be leveraged to provide new avenues for student training.