First cadaver dissection: stress, preparation, and emotional experience.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the psychological preparation and stress of medical students associated with their first cadaver dissection class, covering the head and neck region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective evaluation of a group of 58 second-year medical students.

RESULTS

Participants experienced this first dissection class with little stress, with no significant gender difference. Men, however, felt better prepared than the women did. The smell and sight of the cadaver's face were their main concerns.

DISCUSSION

The students were evaluated with STAI questionnaires and visual analog scales just before, immediately after, and one month after their first dissection experience. This is the first time this scheme has been used. Students suggested several improvements for advance preparation, most of them inexpensive in terms of human and material resources. The low stress caused by dissection is probably influenced by the fact that student participation is voluntary.

CONCLUSION

Although they felt that they were relatively unprepared from a psychological perspective, the vast majority of students felt ready to participate in the dissections and had a very good perception of this experience.