Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of health information management students toward anatomy and physiology

Abstract

Background/Objective: Anatomy and physiology are basic medical science courses taught in most health institutions, but there is growing concerns among tutors that traditional programs of teaching health information management (HIM) students have not provided better outcomes of learning. This study determined knowledge, attitude and perceptions of HIM students at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital toward anatomy and physiology. Methods/Design: This is a cross-sectional study of 280 trainees in HIM. Results: Most participants (85.8%) admitted that anatomy and physiology is relevant to HIM developmental skills, more than half (59.2%) of the students possess high retention of knowledge in anatomy & physiology and nearly three quarter (74.2%) of them complained of inadequate practical demonstrations. A total of one hundred and forty nine (63.9%) criticized that the course is too voluminous and therefore, difficult to understand (61.4%). Overall, the majority admitted that anatomy and physiology is relevant to HIM developmental skills. Conclusion: The study presents a positive attitude of students towards Anatomy and Physiology with quest for intensive practical demonstrations. The learning experience of these students could be improved by availability of adequate practical demonstration materials and better clinical integration of the basic medical sciences, especially in Anatomy & Physiology. Continuing training for the lecturers/tutors of anatomy and physiology and integration of didactic class lectures with clinical instructions are recommended.