Effectiveness and Student’s Perception of E-anatomy Kit as a Tool for Gross Anatomy of Respiratory System Virtual Practical During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Anatomy is perceived to be an onerous subject as it contains complex information that necessitates three-dimensional visualization to comprehend. During COVID-19 pandemic, there was a paradigm shift to online distance learning including practical sessions. Innovative instructional techniques of learning anatomy are clearly needed.Methods: An e-Anatomy kit composing of 5 components: i) pre-recorded cadaveric demonstrations, ii) Complete Anatomy application, iii) interactive diagram labelling, iv) schematic diagram and v) mnemonics were designed to improve the Respiratory Module virtual practical experience of medical students from Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. The students were divided into 2 groups: the control group had regular discussion and the experimental group received an e-Anatomy kit. Pre- and post-test containing Anatomy questions as well as questionnaires regarding student perceptions were also given to the students. Results: There was significant difference between the means of pre- and post-test assessment in both control and e-Anatomy kit groups. There were no differences of post-test assessments between the control and e-Anatomy kit groups. However, in post-test assessments, the mean percentage difference of the e-Anatomy kit group is higher (15.8%) in comparison to the control group (10.3%). The students perceived the e-Anatomy kit as engaging, interesting and effective. Conclusion: e-Anatomy kit is an efficient and engaging approach as an alternative or adjunct to face-to-face anatomy teaching, especially under COVID-19 pandemic.