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Cadaver Dissection Experience for First-Time Dissectors: a Hypothetical Three-Pronged Approach for Student Preparation

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Abstract

This systematic review synthesized evidence for the development of a preparatory process for first-time dissectors, geared toward improving cadaver dissection (CD) experiences. Eleven studies focused on pre-CD intervention were selected from a literature search in PubMed, the Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Google Scholar, PsycNET, and the Cochrane Library. A three-pronged preparatory process was formulated for first-time dissectors based on the evidence from the review. The process includes (1) background assessment; (2) pre-CD education; and (3) gradual exposure and desensitization. The preparatory process shows some hypothetical potential for decreasing negative CD-related experiences, but it still needs validation before implementation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5001, Nnewi Campus Nnewi, Nigeria

    Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor & Jude Amechi Nnaka

  2. Institute of Health Sciences Education, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada

    Terkuma Chia

Authors
  1. Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor
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  2. Jude Amechi Nnaka
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  3. Terkuma Chia
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Contributions

IAO conceived and designed the study. IAO and JAN performed the literature search and data analysis. All the authors interpreted the data and contributed to writing the first draft and the revised versions. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor.

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Ethics Approval

This study does not require ethical approval following the Nigerian National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) guidelines.

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Okafor, I.A., Nnaka, J.A. & Chia, T. Cadaver Dissection Experience for First-Time Dissectors: a Hypothetical Three-Pronged Approach for Student Preparation. Med.Sci.Educ. 34, 257–269 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-023-01950-5

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