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ABSTRACT: Background
It has been well reported that the emotional experiences of medical students in the gross anatomy laboratory could have significant impacts on their professional identity formation. This qualitative study aimed to investigate students' emotions towards cadaver dissection and the educational role of memorial ceremonies.Methods
A total of 37 students from eight teams were recruited in the team-based dissection course during two consecutive academic years (2016 and 2017) at one medical school. In focus group interviews, students were encouraged to express and discuss their emotions regarding cadaver dissection and memorial ceremonies.Results
The participants described their apprehension and anxiety during their first encounter with cadavers that diminished through gradual exposure. Unfortunately, their positive emotions such as gratitude and responsibility also tended to decline under the pressure of excessive workloads and frequent examinations. Memorial ceremonies, including not only large-scale events but also daily rituals, had educational effects that they prevented the decline of students' responsibility and respect during the dissection course.Conclusion
Educators should assist medical students in overcoming their initial distress and maintaining respectful attitudes throughout the dissection course. Memorial ceremonies can be effective educational tools for fostering appropriate attitudes and ethical practice in the gross anatomy laboratory.
SUBMITTER: Chang HJ
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6233563 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Chang Hyung-Joo HJ Kim Hyun Jung HJ Rhyu Im Joo IJ Lee Young-Mee YM Uhm Chang-Sub CS
BMC medical education 20181112 1
<h4>Background</h4>It has been well reported that the emotional experiences of medical students in the gross anatomy laboratory could have significant impacts on their professional identity formation. This qualitative study aimed to investigate students' emotions towards cadaver dissection and the educational role of memorial ceremonies.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 37 students from eight teams were recruited in the team-based dissection course during two consecutive academic years (2016 and 2017) ...[more]