Document Type (Journals)
Educational Innovations
Abstract
Learning anatomy via cadaver dissection is considered a best practice in anatomical education. However, occupational therapy programs commonly use alternative or adjunct teaching methods when teaching anatomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions of learning hand anatomy through participation in the Dell Hand Instructional Module (DHIM), a novel educational intervention incorporating an animated video series and a translucent, three-dimensional model of the hand. Participants attended one anatomical instructional session and one assessment session, completed a questionnaire about their experiences, and participated in a focus group. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the DHIM made learning about hand anatomy more interesting and enjoyable, was an effective learning tool, and helped them to understand spatial relationships between the hand structures. Thematic analysis of focus group responses resulted in five themes: instructor impact, learning environment, learning preferences, interaction with the model, and perceptions of the educational intervention. Findings suggest this novel intervention supported hand anatomy instruction and was helpful to student engagement in the learning process. Future research should assess learning outcomes associated with the DHIM, as well as investigate the use of trained graduate students as DHIM facilitators.
Biography
Christine Myers, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FNAP is clinical professor and program director, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Michael Cricchio, MBA, OT/L, CHT is Site Manager UFHealth Hand and Upper Extremity and UFHealth OSMI KIDS, Gainesville, FL.
Rebecca Piazza, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR is clinical assistant professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Morgan Yacoe, MFA is adjunct assistant professor, College of the Arts, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Declaration of Interest
Christine Myers and Rebecca Piazza report no declarations of interest. Michael Cricchio and Morgan Yacoe have an interest in UE | Applications, the company that sells the Dell Hand.
Recommended Citation
Myers, C., Cricchio, M., Piazza, R., & Yacoe, M. (2024). Occupational Therapy Students' Perceptions of Participation in a Novel Educational Intervention to Learn Hand Anatomy. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (3). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol8/iss3/15
Creative Commons License
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