Exploring the Application of Peer-Assisted Learning in Practical Neuroanatomy Classes: A Cohort Comparison Within a Medical Curriculum.

Despite well-documented benefits, the effectiveness of some aspects of near-peer (NP) teaching in medical education within anatomy curricula remains unclear. Here, we explored the impact of various permutations of staff/student laboratory-based co-teaching in neuroanatomy by determining the optimal staff and student teaching combination. We assessed student perceptions and knowledge acquisition using three different co-teaching strategies. Second-year medical students at the University of Southampton were co-taught neuroanatomy by faculty staff and third-year medical students (NP teachers). Three cohorts, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019, were included in the study. Subsequent cohorts experienced increasingly structured NP teaching with more NP teachers. Students completed evaluations for anatomy sessions, which were statistically compared. The 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 cohorts completed lunchtime quizzes matched to the learning outcomes of each practical session, which were analysed. A focus group involving six students was transcribed and thematically analysed. Anatomy practical ratings were significantly higher when both session structure and NP teacher numbers increased from 3 to 5-6 ( = 0.0010) and from 3 to 7-8 ( = 0.0020). There were no significant differences in anatomy practical ratings using 5-6 and 7-8 NP teachers ( > 0.9999). There were no significant differences between the knowledge scores of students who experienced 5-6 and 7-8 NP teachers. Themes detailing the benefits of NP teaching and the importance of faculty involvement were identified, demonstrating that students appreciated NP teaching within a co-teaching environment. Therefore, increased NP teaching may augment students' perceptions and knowledge acquisition. In this context, the optimal number of NP teachers may sit between 5 and 8.