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Student perceptions of medico‐legal autopsy demonstrations in a student‐centred curriculum
Author(s) -
McNamee Lakshini S,
O’Brien Frances Y,
Botha Julia H
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2008.03248.x
Subject(s) - curriculum , context (archaeology) , medical education , cognition , feeling , psychology , qualitative research , hidden curriculum , interview , perception , medicine , pedagogy , social psychology , sociology , psychiatry , social science , paleontology , neuroscience , anthropology , biology
Objectives Teaching autopsies in undergraduate medicine, although traditionally considered valuable by both educators and students, have been marginalised in modern curricula. This study explored medical students’ experiences of the medico‐legal autopsy demonstrations which formed part of their training in forensic medicine. Methods In this phenomenological study, qualitative data obtained by interviewing 10 Year 4 medical students from various socio‐cultural backgrounds were interpretively examined. One‐to‐one, semi‐structured interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed. The data were thematically organised and then analysed using a theoretical framework of three dimensions of learning, namely, cognitive, emotional and societal. Results Students still perceive autopsies as essential even in the context of self‐directed learning. They identified a better understanding of anatomy and traumatology as the main cognitive benefits. At an emotional level students felt they had developed a degree of clinical detachment and would be better equipped to deal with issues surrounding death. Although socialisation influenced students’ feelings about the autopsy, it did not detract from their appreciation of the educational value of the experience. Conclusions The results support previous findings from both students, prior to curriculum reform, and medical educators who were canvassed for their opinions in relation to a modern curriculum. Besides the obvious cognitive advantages, educators should be mindful of the hidden curriculum that emanates from autopsies because it impacts on the development of professionalism and ethical behaviours of future medical practitioners.