Level of MBBS Student's Perception-Tested in Advance Before Start of Autopsy Demonstration

Autopsy continues to be an integral part of the undergraduate medical education. The present study was conducted to assess the attitude and knowledge of medical students and to know how important it is as a part of under graduate curriculum from student's point of view, before actual demonstration of the autopsy.

The study design was a descriptive study; the students of 2nd MBBS 4th term, who were yet to attend autopsy demonstration, were asked to participate voluntarily and were asked not to disclose their identity on a specially designed questionnaire, regarding the necessity, purpose, and knowledge of the procedure about how useful and necessary was the autopsy in medical education. Their comments were analysed and tabulated.

25 (18%) felt that they would have to perform independently, once they finish MBBS. 128 (92.1%) felt that it was to know the cause of death, 100 (71.9%) felt that lectures in the department would be helpful in preparing prior to autopsy, 121(87.5%) felt that dead bodies should be handled properly, silence should be maintained and cleaning of the body should be done after autopsy. 128 (92.8%) opined that inquest papers, mortuary, Forensic Pathologist and instruments are basic requirements for autopsy.

Considering the role played by the medical practitioners in India in rural set up, mastering the autopsy skills is required for conducting the autopsy independently, this factor can be important for us to understand and to rectify the present scenario. Steps are required to be taken by the teachers/staff associated with students to bring out the desired change in the attitude of the medical students towards autopsy so that the overall standard of autopsy and the medico legal work improves