Use of Anatomy Modules in Self-Directed Education

Abstract

McMaster University's Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology has developed an extensive collection of self-directed learning modules in Anatomy which are available in an open laboratory. How medical and allied health students use this resource has never been adequately surveyed. The rates, patterns and reasons for module use among first and second year medical students were surveyed by questionnaire in late 1992. A similar questionnaire was administered to students in Block 3 of the Physiotherapy programme in early 1993. Analysis was done using a standard computer-based statistical package. Average module use among Unit 1 medical students (estimated by a weighted average) is 1.39 hours per week, with a statistically significant increase reported by Unit 4 medical students. Physiotherapy students, whose programme has a strong emphasis on musculoskeletal anatomy, had lab use rates 140% greater than Unit I medical students. Patterns of module use and student satisfaction with the modules depend not only upon the medical student's level in the programme, but also upon their previous backgrounds in biological/health science and problem-based learning experience. The rates and patterns of use were much more consistent among physiotherapy students, who were also far more satisfied with the organization and content of the modules than the medical students were. Medical students who were tutored by research scientists rather than clinicians had different rates and patterns of module use. The survey also indicates that students' use of the anatomy laboratory is not primarily driven by their tutor's suggestions; by a requirement for a detailed knowledge of anatomy for clinical skills purposes; or because module use saves time. The comparatively heavy use of the Anatomy lab and modules by physiotherapy students is clearly related to the demands of their programme. Students do believe that module use will help them contribute to their tutorial discussions and to the evaluations that occur in this setting.