Abstract

MIGUEL PEREZ, Maribel et al. Human Anatomy: reactions of first year medical students to the dissection room. Educ. méd. [online]. 2007, vol.10, n.2, pp.105-113. ISSN 1575-1813.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to record the physical and emotional reactions of the first-year medical students at the University of Barcelona (Campus de Bellvitge) to the dissection room. Material and methods: Three questionnaires focusing on degree of fear and psychological and physical reactions were prepared and administered to students before the first dissection session, after the first dissection, and at the end of the course. Results: The most frequent reactions were sensation of disgust, loss of appetite, recurring visual images of cadavers, insomnia and nightmares. To cope with these reactions the students used some methods such as being and joking with friends, expanding their study of anatomy and seeking advice to their friends and teachers. Conclusions: For first-year medical students the dissection room produces the first in a long series of adverse reactions towards different stimuli and towards unpleasant stimuli and death. Would be doctors are obligated to develop mechanisms of adaptation in order to cope with the demands of the profession. As for teachers of anatomy, their role involves not only imparting information, but also providing support for students throughout the course.

Keywords : Dissection room; human anatomy; anxiety; reactions; coping methods.

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