The Assessment of Identifying Pathology in Cadaveric Organs in Medical and Nursing Students

• In Event: Assessment Beyond Multiple-Choice Questions

Abstract

This study examined the impact of a pathology guide on student performance in identifying pathologic lesions compared to traditional learning resources (e.g., texts, atlases). The pathology guide was constructed to assist students in the health professions identify pathologic lesions during dissection in the gross anatomy laboratory. First-year medical and nursing students were assessed, as they are required to study gross anatomy and pathology. In both samples, differences in pathology identification were found between those who used the pathology guide versus the traditional resource, and between the organs examined during the assessment (i.e., heart, lung, kidney). These results suggest that the pathology guide may be a valuable educational tool in the gross anatomy laboratory for students in the health professions.

Authors

• Aryn C. Karpinski, Kent State University - Kent

• Guenevere Rae, Louisiana State University - Health Sciences Center New Orleans

• Robin R. McGoey, Louisiana State University - Health Sciences Center New Orleans

• R. John Cork, Louisiana State University - Health Sciences Center New Orleans

• William Swartz, Louisiana State University - Health Sciences Center New Orleans

• Jennifer Mellott, Kent State University - Kent