36 - Teambuilding in Anatomy: Does Dissection Matter?

Poster Board Number: 36
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Odd poster #s – first hour
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Abstract Body : INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES. Several benefits have been cited in literature discussing cadaver dissection in medical education, with the development of team building skills and group dynamics frequently towards the top of this list. This study aims to focus on the development of teamwork skills within the anatomy lab.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The participants were Osteopathic Medical and Masters of Biomedical Science (MSB) students enrolled in a Fundamentals of Anatomical Sciences course at a private medical school. Medical students were initially placed in larger groups based on MCAT and GPA, allowing for multiple levels of scores in each group and assigned across cadaver tables for dissection experiences. MSB students were randomly sorted into their groups using Excel and participated in cadaver prosection. The mixed methods design included a pre-experimental one-group pretest—posttest of the TCI (Team Climate Inventory) with additional open-ended questions on the posttest for qualitative analysis. The TCI utilizes a Likert scale and the responses were analyzed using SPSS. The open responses were coded and analyzed by the research team.

RESULTS. Seventy-two students completed either the pre or posttest and of those 20 students completed both. Fifteen medical students and five MSB students were matched for the pretest—posttest of the TCI. The average of the total scores for the medical students (N=15) was 174.9 (SD 21.6) for the pretest and 189.2 (SD 35.6) for the posttest for a significant change (p=0.033) in positive teambuilding. The average of the total scores for the MSB students (N=5) was 177.4 (SD 40.1) for the pretest and 185.0 (SD 34.3) for the posttest showing no significant change (p=0.357). Twenty-two medical students and 12 MSB students responded to the open-ended question. Medical and MSB students who formed connections within their group reported positive teambuilding while students who lacked coalesces had negative experiences. Medical students largely had positive experiences with teambuilding and MSB students generally lacked cohesion.

CONCLUSION. Significant changes were noted in the pretest—posttest TCI scores with the medical students; however, there was no significant changes with the MSB students. There were more positive dynamics noted with the medical students and more negative dynamics with the MSB students. The difference in student teambuilding may be associated with the cadaver dissection experience of medical students and cadaver prosection experience of MSB students.

SIGNIFICANCE/IMPLICATION. This pilot study demonstrated significant changes in team dynamic; however, more controlled studies looking at intentional grouping should be done as the results may be due to the dissection experience itself.