Dissertation
Optimizing physician assistant anatomy education: a comparison of virtual dissection software and cadaver-based laboratory instruction
Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.), Drexel University
May 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7972
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of virtual cadaver labs on physician assistant (PA) students' self-reported confidence and perceived preparedness, compared to traditional in-person cadaver labs. Using a natural experiment created by the COVID-19 pandemic, four cohorts (Classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023) at Drexel University's Physician Assistant Program were surveyed at the end of their didactic and clinical years. The Class of 2022 completed anatomy instruction entirely through a virtual lab format, while the other cohorts participated in traditional cadaver-based labs. All students received identical course content, instruction, and assessments. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare survey responses across cohorts due to confounding between lab type and class year. Results showed no statistically significant differences in overall confidence or preparedness between virtual and in-person groups, with two exceptions: students in the in-person cohort reported greater perceived improvement in pathophysiology understanding, while those in the virtual cohort reported higher preparedness for their internal medicine rotation. These findings suggest that virtual anatomy instruction, when structured consistently and delivered intentionally, may serve as an effective alternative in resource-limited settings. However, limitations such as non-random group assignment, response bias, and reliance on subjective data underscore the need for further research using more objective and longitudinal outcome measures.
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Details
- Title
- Optimizing physician assistant anatomy education
- Creators
- Justin Wolfe - Drexel University, Physician Assistant
- Contributors
- Anne Marie Nixon Dower (Advisor) - Drexel University, Health Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 47 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University; Health Sciences
- Other Identifier
- 991014632833204721