Mind the gap: The integration of anatomy course contents with basic procedural skills

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the value of procedural skill acquisition in low-fidelity simulation labs for students entering a clinical setting during the mandatory one-month nursing internship. METHODS: We conducted a course that combined gross anatomy knowledge with the teaching of simple procedural skills. We analysed 299 students' opinions and then compared them with their assessment outcomes. RESULTS: The survey results showed general satisfaction of students with the simulation-based course. Regarding the role of procedural labs as an adequate enhancement for traditional anatomy labs, students considered the basic procedural skills course as a strong alternative for traditional anatomy lectures and labs. Moreover, a comparison of participants' pre- and post-course answers indicated a significant increase in their anatomy knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: This study thus indicated a positive perception of students about a course that employed innovative educational measures. In this way, the positive impact of teaching anatomical knowledge through basic procedures was noted.