Build-A-Pelvis: a Low-cost Modeling Activity to Improve Medical Students’ Understanding of Perineal Anatomy

Abstract

Background: We demonstrate a low-cost, active learning module that provides medical students with a three-dimensional understanding of perineal anatomy. Activity: Student groups completed a perineal model and then reviewed another group's model of the opposite sex. Multiple pre- and post-module quizzes and correlated exam questions were analyzed. Self-reported understanding of perineal anatomy and usefulness of activity were reported. Results: Students showed significant increases between pre- and post-quiz scores and perceptions of understanding (p < 0.001). Outcomes on exam questions were significantly higher than non-participating counterparts (p = 0.011). Discussion: Thus, this low-cost modeling activity can benefit learning of perineal anatomy.