7 - Evaluation of a Comprehensive E-module of the Male and Female Perineal Pouches and Structures in the Gross Anatomy Dissection

Poster Board Number: 7
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Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Abstract Body : Introduction and Objective: Traditionally, dissection of the perineum has been difficult to understand given the three-dimensional and rotational components of the region resulting in a knowledge gap among medical students and residents. There are currently insufficient resources that effectively demonstrate the comparative anatomy and three-dimensional relationships of the perineal pouches between males and females. The goals of the project were to create and evaluate a comprehensive e-module of the perineum, that contains gross dissections along with radiologic images, cross-sectional anatomy, and 3D rotational diagrams, to effectively demonstrate the perineal pouches. We hypothesize that the use of this blended learning module will improve exam performance and increase student confidence with this region.

Materials and Methods: A total of 327 College of Medicine (COM) and College of Allied Health Professions (CAHP) students had access to the e-module to be used on a voluntary basis. Students who utilized the e-module were asked to complete a de-identified survey following the completion of the related coursework. The survey captured the student’s use of the e-module and the level of confidence with the content. Exam questions on the corresponding anatomy lab practical were analyzed and compared among students who elected to utilize the e-module with those who did not.

Results: 118 students completed the survey and elected to utilize the e-module. The survey findings suggest that the use of the e-module increased the students’ level of confidence for perineum related content from an average of 4.38/10 prior to completion of the e-module to an average of 7.33/10 after completion of the e-module (p< 0.001). Students indicated that the e-module was a convenient way to study anatomy and that it enhanced their understanding of the three-dimensional relationships of this anatomical region. There was a statistically significant increase in practical exam performance for perineum-related content among students who utilized the e-module relative to those who did not across all survey populations (COM 2020 87.40 to 92.64 (p=0.001), COM 2021 88.60 to 91.90 (p=0.027), and CAHP 2021 87.22 to 94.26 (p=0.032)). Additionally, COM students who utilized the e-module scored significantly higher on perineum-related content relative to non-perineum content (92.34 vs. 86.73, p< 0.001).

Conclusion: The availability of a comprehensive e-module that contains gross dissections of the male and female perineum along with radiologic images, cross-sectional anatomy, and 3D rotational diagrams enhanced students’ learning of the perineal pouches by improving exam performance and increasing students’ level of confidence.

Significance and Implication: While traditional approaches to teaching anatomy remain at the cornerstone of medical education, there are advantages to the creation and utilization of blended learning modules to enhance the teaching of complex anatomy. Thus, the development and application of these resources should be further considered and evaluated within various areas of gross anatomy education.