The Level of Anatomical Knowledge, Hard to Establish: a Systematic Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective This literature review aimed to gain more insight into the level of anatomical knowledge based on published measurements among medical students, residents, fellows, and specialists. Methods We performed an extensive literature search in three online databases: Medline (using PubMed), Web of Science, and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC). Results A total of 30 relevant studies were found. In these studies, participants took different anatomy tests, and their mean/median scaled scores range from 22.5 to 82.4% on a 0 to 100% scale. Conclusion This review provides an overview of what is known about measured anatomical knowledge. After critically reviewing the literature, we have to conclude that the existing literature confirms that anatomical knowledge is hard to establish, mainly due to the lack of standardisation. Further research should focus on ways to define and assess ‘desired anatomical knowledge’ in different contexts. In a next phase, we can discuss if anatomical knowledge is lacking and if interventions are needed.

Impacting surgical training: Role of surgical anatomy dissection courses

“…Anatomical knowledge allows medical trainees and professionals to examine the patients, communicate with the team and patients, elaborate the diagnosis, and perform interventional and surgical procedures Since Sinclair's Lancet editorial notes in 1975 about medical students' lower level of anatomical knowledge, numerous authors have reported similar concerns [1]. The debate on this anatomical knowledge gap suggests different causes ranging from the curriculum, mode of delivery, and integration of fundamental sciences and clinical sciences learning [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The nature of forgettable basic sciences knowledge has also been reported [1].…”

“…Studies have also shown that clinical instructors may lack educational strategies to overcome identified clinical anatomical knowledge gaps [1]. Growing evidence has shown that anatomy clinical structured courses for senior medical students, surgical trainees and practicing surgeons have positively impacted the safety of procedures and the confidence of medical practitioners [1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9]. In this trend, since August 2020, the department of human anatomy has been collaborating with the department of surgery by organizing surgical anatomy dissection courses with the aim of impacting surgical safety and competencies.…”

“Spine to the future”—A narrative review of anatomy engagement

“…The level of anatomical knowledge of the public may be challenging to truly answer, particularly given that the level of knowledge is not clear in the medical field, from students to specialists. 81 However, what is clear is that the public (and the point when they become patients) have an important role to play in the decision-making processes around their own health. 82 This is particularly relevant in many countries where there is a shift toward the shared decisionmaking model of healthcare.…”