Current and future instructional methods and influencing factors in anatomy instruction in physical therapy and medical schools in the U.S.

Unlabelled: The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate current and future instructional practices and the most important factors influencing those practices in anatomy laboratories within medical schools and physical therapy schools.

Methods: A survey instrument was developed using the Delphi method in 2008. In addition to refining the survey instrument, the participants in the Delphi study also provided their expert testimony on current and future teaching methods as well as influencing factors. The survey was then administered in 2009 to a random sampling of anatomy instructors in physical therapy (n = 60) and medical schools (n = 15).

Results: Cadaver dissection is currently the most common instructional technique, but its use is predicted by our experts and our general survey respondents to decline by 2020 in both medical and physical therapy schools. In the future, more instructional time will be devoted to imaging, computerized teaching aids, living/surface anatomy instruction, and prosections. The most important factors influencing anatomy education for all groups were budget, instructional time, and the availability of qualified anatomy instructors. Factors predicted to have little influence on anatomy instruction include student learning styles and ethical considerations. Contrary to current concerns expressed by some, health and safety concerns were also judged to have little influence on anatomy instruction.

Conclusion: Evidence supports a trend of decreasing time on cadaver dissection and increasing time on technology-based instructional methods.