The Level of Anatomical Knowledge, Hard to Establish: a Systematic Narrative Review

Overview

Journal Med Sci Educ

Publisher Springer

Specialty Medical Education

Date 2022 May 9

PMID 35528299

Authors

Dorothea Maria Koppes

Charlotte Petronella Robertus Triepels

Kim Josephina Bernadette Notten

Carlijn Franscisca Anna Smeets

Rutgerus Franciscus Petrus Maria Kruitwagen

Toon Van Gorp

Fedde Scheele

Sander Martijn Job van Kuijk

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: This literature review aimed to gain more insight into the level of anatomical knowledge based on published measurements among medical students, residents, fellows, and specialists.

Methods: We performed an extensive literature search in three online databases: Medline (using PubMed), Web of Science, and Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC).

Results: A total of 30 relevant studies were found. In these studies, participants took different anatomy tests, and their mean/median scaled scores range from 22.5 to 82.4% on a 0 to 100% scale.

Conclusion: This review provides an overview of what is known about measured anatomical knowledge. After critically reviewing the literature, we have to conclude that the existing literature confirms that anatomical knowledge is hard to establish, mainly due to the lack of standardisation.Further research should focus on ways to define and assess 'desired anatomical knowledge' in different contexts. In a next phase, we can discuss if anatomical knowledge is lacking and if interventions are needed.

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