Anatomical skill management at Flinders University: transitioning between two-dimensional and three-dimensional data

Transitions between two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) data will increasingly guide care as doctors more frequently combine different representations of pathology. We investigated whether students more accurately transition between 2D and 3D data when they supplement conventional materials (CM) with the Anatomage Table®(AT). Additionally, we introduced cadaveric computed tomography (CT) scans into the preclinical dissection course to stimulate development of this skill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In crossover studies (CS) 1 (2017‐2018) and 2(2019), participants were randomly allocated to group A or B. In sequence one (S1), A had additional access to the AT while B used CM alone. The groups switched interventions in sequence two (S2). In CS1, each sequence involved a pre‐test (PT), post‐test (PoT), and retention test. CS2 was characterized by GUIDED use of the AT, with each sequence involving a PT and PoT. Data were analysed using Friedman Tests (FT). A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: CS1: FT1 Group A (n = 10) S1 P = 0.879. FT2 Group A (n = 7) S2 P = 0.311. FT3 Group B (n = 12) S1 P = 0.028. FT4 Group B (n = 10) S2 P = 0.846. CS2: FT5 Group A (n = 3) S1 P = 0.083. FT6 Group A S2 P = 0.083. FT7 Group B (n = 5) S1 P = 0.157. FT8 Group B S2 P = 0.025. Ninety percent of Likert survey respondents (n = 110) agreed or strongly agreed exposure to cadaveric CT scans improved their ability to interpret normal "living" axial images. CONCLUSION: Only GUIDED use of the AT (CS2) improved transitions. The survey results support the inclusion of cadaveric CT scans in preclinical anatomy teaching.