Residents’ Perceptions of a Novel Virtual Livestream Cadaveric Teaching Series for Musculoskeletal Anatomy Education

Abstract

Abstract Musculoskeletal anatomy education is essential to many healthcare providers but has consistently been considered difficult for various reasons. Traditional methods have focused on in-person cadaveric teaching, which became inaccessible during the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, new teaching methods were developed to address this gap in education. This project implemented novel virtual livestream musculoskeletal anatomy teaching methodology with cadaveric prosections and evaluated the efficacy of this modality compared with traditional in-person cadaveric teaching. A targeted musculoskeletal anatomy curriculum was developed and delivered via livestream to 12 Canadian physiatry residents. Upon completing the virtual curriculum, residents completed an anonymous survey assessing this new virtual livestream cadaveric methodology compared with previous experiences with traditional in-person anatomy teaching. The survey response rate was 92%. Most participants (73%) rated the virtual livestream sessions as better than traditional in-person teaching. Reasons included better visualization of cadaveric anatomy and easy discussion among the group. T test analysis comparing both methods demonstrated the livestream method was equivalent or better across several domains. Virtual livestream teaching is a viable method for teaching the important subject of musculoskeletal anatomy. Educators should consider how to best integrate this approach into future anatomy curricula.