Students' learning experiences of three-dimensional printed models and plastinated specimens: a qualitative analysis

• Main Authors: Radzi, Shairah, Chandrasekaran, Ramya, Peh, Zhen Kai, Rajalingam, Preman, Yeong, Wai Yee, Mogali, Sreenivasulu Reddy
• Other Authors: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Science::Medicine; 3D Printing; Plastinated Specimens
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168542
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Traditional cadaveric dissection is declining whilst plastinated and three-dimensional printed (3DP) models are increasingly popular as substitutes to the conventional anatomy teaching and learning methods. It is unclear about the pros and cons of these new tools and how they impact students' learning experiences of anatomy including humanistic values such as respect, care and empathy. METHODS: Ninety-six students' views were sought immediately after a randomized cross-over study. Pragmatic design was used to investigate the learning experiences of using plastinated and 3DP models of cardiac (in Phase 1, n = 63) and neck (in Phase 2, n = 33) anatomy. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted based on 278 free text comments (related to strengths, weaknesses, things to improve), and focus group (n = 8) transcriptions in full verbatim about learning anatomy with these tools.