The segmental-based approach during anatomy coursework presents better results than the systems-based approach

Bibliographic Details
Title: The segmental-based approach during anatomy coursework presents better results than the systems-based approach
Authors: Thalles Guilarducci Costa, Mario Hebling Campos, Ana Claudia Ferreira Barros, Marilia Santos Andrade, Rodrigo Luiz Vancini, Ricardo Borges Viana, Thomas Rosemann, Katja Weiss, Beat Knechtle, Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira
Source: BMC Medical Education, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2024)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Collection: LCC:Special aspects of education
LCC:Medicine
Subject Terms: Education methodology, Anatomy and medical education, Human anatomy, Anatomy teaching, Special aspects of education, LC8-6691, Medicine
More Details: Abstract Traditionally, there are two pedagogical approaches to teaching human anatomy. The first is the systems-based approach (study of body systems – bones, muscles, organs – separately) gross anatomy courses and the second is the segmental-based approach (study of body segments – upper and lower limbs and trunk – separately); both are highly recommended. However, to the best of our knowledge, less is known about academic performance comparing the two approaches. Thus, in this study, we evaluate undergraduate students’ academic performance in human anatomy courses using systems- or segmental approaches, also, evaluate attendance, the impact of missing class on performance, the course evaluations (specific to the professor) and the student perceptions of the different coursework. The final grade and class attendance of 141 undergraduate students, from the sports and exercise science program, undertaking the anatomy course, were evaluated. Seventy students participated in the systems-based gross human anatomy approach (SYS), and 71 students participated in the segmental-based gross human anatomy approach (SEG). Students in SEG (median [interquartile range (IQR]: 7.3 [2.0]) performed better academically, with higher final grades (U = 1,804.5, p = 0.005; rB = 0.274 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–0.44]; medium effect) than SYS (median [IQR]: 6.6 [1.6]). SEG had higher class attendance (median [IQR]: 60 [8]) than SYS (median [IQR]: 60 [7]; U = 1,919.5, p = 0.015; rB = 0.228 [95%CI: 0.040–0.399]; small effect). Students in SEG rated the professor’s performance more highly than SYS (U = 78.0, p = 0.001; rB = 0.616 [95%CI: 0.332–0.797]; large effect). The segmental-based gross human anatomy approach leads to better academic performance and higher attendance in the gross anatomy course than SYS.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1472-6920
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/1472-6920
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06541-5
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/2179a6f61ba1493c8b392f30c914483e
Accession Number: edsdoj.2179a6f61ba1493c8b392f30c914483e
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:14726920
DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-06541-5
Published in:BMC Medical Education
Language:English