African Medical Educators and Anatomy Teachers’ Perceptions and Acceptance of the Anatomage Table as an EdTech and Innovation: A Qualitative Study

Background:
This article presents a qualitative study of African anatomists and anatomy teachers on the Anatomage Table–a modern
medical education technology and innovation, as an indicator of African anatomy medical and anatomy educators’ acceptance of
EdTech. The Anatomage Table is used for digital dissection, prosection, functional anatomy demonstration, virtual simulation of
certain functions, and interactive digital teaching aid.

Materials and Methods:
Anatomy teachers [n=79] from 11 representative African countries, Ghana, Nigeria [West Africa],
Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda [East Africa], Namibia [South Africa], Zambia [Southern Africa], Egypt [North Africa], and Sudan
[Central Africa], participated in this study. Focus group discussions [FGDs] were set up to obtain qualitative information from
stakeholders from representative institutions. In addition, based on the set criteria, selected education leaders and stakeholders in
representative institutions participated in In-depth Interviews [IDIs]. The interview explored critical issues concerning their perceptions about the acceptance, adoption, and integration of educational technology, specifically, the Anatomage Table into the teaching of
Anatomy and related medical sciences in the African continent. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Dedoose
software.

Results:
African anatomists are generally technology inclined and in favor of EdTech. The most recurring opinion was that the
Anatomage Table could only be a “complementary teaching tool to cadavers” and that it “can’t replace the real-life experience of
cadavers.” Particularly, respondents from user institutions opined that it “complements the traditional cadaver-based approaches” to
anatomy learning and inquiry, including being a good “complement for cadaveric skill lab” sessions. Compared with the traditional
cadaveric dissections a majority also considered it less problematic regarding cultural acceptability and health and safety-related
concerns. The lifelikeness of the 3D representation is a major factor that drives acceptability.

Keywords: anatomy, Anatomage, educational technology, medical education, innovations, Africa.