Gross Anatomy Teaching for Medical Undergraduates Through Computer-Based Simulation: Introduction and Evaluation of Effectiveness

Background Cadaveric teaching has been the gold standard for gross anatomy instruction through the ages and across the geographic spectrum, but with issues of availability faced in many medical schools, there is a need to look for other options. Digital tools like virtual dissectors that simulate the cadaver have been around for some years now, but their acceptability to the teachers and students and effectiveness need to be validated in the settings where applied. Aim To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of using computer-based simulation tools for teaching gross anatomy via online mode to undergraduate medical students. Methodology A prospective crossover randomized controlled study was conducted online on 200 (120 males (60%) and 80 females (40%), Year 1 medical undergraduates (mean age males: 19.67 years and females: 19.52 years), wherein two broad topics of head and neck region were taught by didactic lectures delivered online via Zoom. Dissection videos were prepared for both cadaveric and computer-based simulation teaching. Groups were divided by random allocation and pre-and post-tests and feedback surveys were conducted online. Results A significant increase from pre-to post-test scores was found in both cadaveric and computer-based simulation techniques. However, more change was found in the computer technique as its t-value was more than the cadaveric technique. The feedback from the students was that the computer-based simulation teaching method gave them a good insight into 3D understanding of the human body, increased understanding of relations of body structures and capacity to grasp surface anatomy. Conclusion The study concluded that teaching gross anatomy through computer-based simulation techniques is acceptable to both the students and faculty. The study also concluded that it is an effective and feasible method that can be used to complement cadaveric teaching to revisit areas already dissected and for quick revision.