Spending Wisely: The Role of Cost and Value Research in the Pursuit of Advancing Anatomical Sciences Education

Abstract

Studies of “cost and value” in anatomical sciences education examine not only what works, but at what cost, thus evaluating the inputs and outputs of education. This research provides insights into how to use available resources (e.g., academic time, budgets, infrastructure) as a mechanism to obtaining the maximum outcomes available. The purpose of this viewpoint article is to expand on the application of cost and value concepts to anatomical sciences education, contextualizing these concepts through a deeper dive into the more costly educational approaches of human donor dissection. In doing so, both questions and opportunities are raised for the discipline of anatomical sciences going forward. Educational decisions, inclusive of cost and value appraisals, consider the range of outcomes for which the activity is designed to achieve, and the activity's integration with the philosophy of the educational program it is contributing to; these decisions, thus, evaluate more than just cost alone. Healthcare students' engagement with human donor dissection pedagogy offers an array of reported non‐economic benefits, including non‐traditional discipline‐independent skill (NDIS) development (e.g., professionalism, teamwork skills). These skills are often harder to measure, but are no less important to the final pedagogical decision‐making process. The goal of cost and value research is to create an evidence‐base toward education that delivers maximum value for a given spend. Anatomy educators, researchers, and decision makers who embrace cost and value dialogue, and interpret and apply findings from studies of educational costs, are best positioned to improve the educational value for their learners and provide effective outputs for all stakeholders.

Effects of Covid‐19: The Need to Assess the Real Value of Anatomy Education

“…The work of Chumbley et al (2021) and Maloney et al (2021) provide an excellent basis for helping empower anatomy educators to assess and demonstrate the educational cost and value of learning and teaching provision enabling them to play an important and reliable role in future decision-making processes, where the emphasis on cost-effectiveness will only increase.…”

“…This is potentially further compounded by the fact that return to face‐to‐face learning activity in anatomy appears to be gradual and/or having to be conducted in smaller groups than usual. As such this requires further resourcing to take account of social distancing, additional health and safety requirements and repeated sessions/classes (Bond and Franchi, 2020; Ross et al, 2020; Cheng et al, 2021; Maloney et al, 2021).…”

“…Within anatomical education, the question of cost and value is beginning to be investigated and discussed. This issue of Anatomical Sciences Education contains two articles that provide for insight, challenge and opportunity in the way we take account of the financial cost of teaching and what this might mean into the future for decision‐making (Chumbley et al, 2021; Maloney et al, 2021). Chumbley et al (2021), have undertaken a cost‐analysis of six popular teaching approaches in anatomy and used this in conjunction with known educational effectiveness outcomes of each approach to provide estimations of educational value for learners.…”

“…These and other related themes are picked up in the viewpoint commentary by Maloney et al (2021), where they highlight the potential application of the concepts of cost and value for anatomical sciences education with particular reference to the use of dissection. The authors use their commentary to explain the basis of cost‐value research and to introduce the concept of cost‐effectiveness planes which illustrate the integral interplay between effectiveness and cost value when it comes to making informed choices.…”

“…They point out that using meaningful comparators within the analysis is essential. Overall Maloney et al (2021) show the importance of delivering maximum value for a given spend and the crucial role that anatomy educators and researchers must play in the decision‐making process.…”