Evaluation of views and perceptions of the medical faculty students about distance anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the students’ opinions about the distance anatomy education given in our faculty at the COVID-19 pandemic and present our department’s experiences. Methods An online questionnaire designed for medical faculty students. The questionnaire was applied to 355 volunteer medical faculty students. The questionnaire consisted of demographics, five-point Likert items, and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was applied between August and September 2020. Distance anatomy education activities were evaluated during March and July 2020. Results Results showed face-to-face theoretical anatomy education was found to be more effective than distance anatomy education conducted with recorded lecture videos. Even though the positive aspects of distance anatomy education stand out in topics, such as time management, it has been stated that cadaver and laboratory education has been disrupted. Most of the students agreed that they spent more time on supplementary resources during distance anatomy education. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an unexpected experimental environment. The demand for a blended method, which consists of distance (supported by video recordings) theoretical anatomy education and face-to-face practical anatomy education for the post-pandemic period comes to the fore. Distance anatomy education brings some problems with it due to its nature, and it is essential to seek unique solutions to them. Evaluating the perceptions of the parties will play an essential role in solving the problems of distance anatomy education and in the formation of future anatomy education styles.

Assessment of the opinions and experiences of anatomy educators regarding the distance anatomy education in medical facilities under the effect of COVID-19 in Turkey

“…With the onset of the pandemic in our country, anatomy education was given by distance education methods [ 2 , 20 ]. Theoretical and practical lessons were given in different methods in anatomy.…”

“…For practical lessons and exams, the course of the pandemic in terms of public health, the conditions of the institution, or the situation of the students caused different decisions to be taken and different methods to be followed. This process may be an opportunity to discuss bringing a new dimension to anatomy education regarding the applicability of distance education alternatives [ 13 , 20 ].…”

Distance anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic: correspondence

“…We would like to share ideas on the publication “Evaluation of views and perceptions of the medical faculty students about distance anatomy education during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 2 ]”. Özen et al concluded that “ The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an unexpected experimental environment.…”

“…The demand for …. in solving the problems of distance anatomy education and in the formation of future anatomy education styles [ 2 ]”. We agree that the distance anatomy education is useful during pandemic and there are many challenging issues on the new approach.…”

“…If there is insufficient quality control of light and sound, it is possible to have eye and ear problems, sleep problems, and even induce seizures [ 1 ]. Finally, it should note that the report by Özen et al basically takes a photograph of the ideas of the students regarding online anatomy education just in COVID-19 [ 2 ]. The potential effect of online anatomy education on the health of the students that is hereby mentioned is an additional issue that is little mentioned in the literature.…”