Learning Outcomes of Nursing Students’ Experience With Cadaveric Dissection: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction Cadaver dissection in anatomy, a cornerstone of medical school education, has been replaced by digital technologies. This study aimed to determine the learning outcomes nursing students could achieve through cadaveric dissection practice (CDP). Methods This scoping review was carried out using the checklist outlined in the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews through August 2023. Articles from PubMed, ERIC, and CINAL were included. This scoping review included studies that focused on the learning effects of nursing students’ experiences with cadaver dissection, written in English, and covered all study types. Results The cadaveric dissection exercise resulted in a strong interest in the human body and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. It also allows for creating an image of care for the patient before death, the meaning of existence after death, acceptance that death is not frightening, and an understanding of the afterlife. Furthermore, the cadaveric dissection exercise has been reported to improve confidence in patient care, lead to a better understanding of what other professions practice, and involve the development of professional identity. Conclusions Studies on the learning effects of CDP have differed in subject matter and educational methodologies. In the future, while determining how the experience of CDP is related to nursing practice of nursing students and graduates, we must explore effective CDP and develop educational methodologies that can achieve similar learning effects.