Search

In early 2022, the Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) Curriculum & Instruction Lab Survey subcommittee launched the third survey of instructors for introductory undergraduate-level courses in human anatomy and physiology. This manuscript presents analyses of questions regarding the laboratory activities and learning outcomes (LOs) section of the survey and compares results to the first (2014) and second (2017) offerings of the lab survey. Laboratory instruction continues to be a valued component of anatomy and physiology instruction, although a greater variety of resources are now being used. New questions on curriculum development revealed that respondents utilize many techniques and resources to develop their curricula, though respondents at 2-year institutions report significantly lower levels of influence on their A&P curricula compared to respondents at 4-year institutions. Identification of anatomical structure LOs appeared to be prioritized over LOs for each structure's physiological role. Dissections, plastic model manipulations, use of human subjects for physiological experiments, and use of computer simulations have remained stable across all three surveys, although use of anatomical donors and computer simulations have increased over time. Collectively, we observed respondents developing intentional, outcome-directed changes to laboratory instruction while also being limited by historical practices at their institutions. Results also indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the speed at which instructors are making long-term curricular changes.

In 2022, a subset of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) Curriculum & Instruction Committee administered the third offering of the HAPS lab survey. This survey included a three-part framework of (1) demographics, (2) lab activities and learning outcomes, and, (3) the impact of a global pandemic on instruction. Here we report on demographics of respondents, their institutions, and students. Survey results related to lab activities and outcomes, and COVID-19 impacts, will be addressed in subsequent manuscripts. The duration of teaching service has been stable with 54.3% to 58.3% of respondents serving at least ten years in their current position, and 88% of respondents working at a single institution. Job responsibilities focused on teaching (98.9%) as well as multiple other commitments including service and lab and/or course coordination. The number of respondents with a terminal degree increased and there has been a decrease in the percentage of respondents working at 2-year institutions, with 50% of respondents working at 4-year institutions, of which a slight majority had graduate programs. Career goals of enrolled students remained focused on allied-health and instructors indicated nursing as the most common student career goal, with a range of other careers also mentioned. Overall, the results affirmed the importance of anatomy and physiology (A&P) instruction and the multiple roles that A&P instructors serve at their institutions.