Perceptions of medical students towards autopsy as an educational tool

Abstract

Joon Joon Khoo

This study explored the perceptions of medical students towards autopsies. After attending an autopsy session, three cohorts of medical students were given questionnaires that included feedback about their emotional responses, cognitive aspects and general questions regarding their experience. There were 129 respondents out of a total of 141 students (91.5%). Approximately half the students (48.1%) found the autopsy experience tolerable while another 18.6% found it unpleasant and distasteful. Nearly 70% of them agreed that their religious beliefs did not censure autopsies but about 9.3% felt that the procedure was disrespectful to the dead. A majority of students felt that the autopsy experience was beneficial (70.5%) and would request autopsies for their patients in future if necessary (72.9%). However, they were less likely to want autopsies on themselves or their family members (34.1%). More than ¾ of students recommended autopsy viewing for all medical students because of its various beneficial roles. Our study showed that students were aware of the potential benefits of autopsies. There was a variety of emotional reactions from students towards this experience but the majority were acceptable to the procedure and recommended autopsy viewing for all medical students. This teaching tool should be revived and used as part of the medical curriculum.