Collaborative Learning Aspect for Training Hip and Knee Joint Anatomy

Abstract

One of the prerequisites required for an efficient diagnosis in a medical practice is to have a strong command of both functional and clinical anatomy. In this study we introduce a new collaborative approach in the effective teaching of the knee and hip joint. In the present teaching model, anatomist, orthopedists and physical therapists present the anatomy of the hip and knee joint in small groups. Courses for the hip and knee joint were scheduled during the early stages of the medical curriculum. Students of nursing and physical therapy were grouped together to sensitize for the importance of a collaborative effort. The study results clearly demonstrate that nursing students and physical therapy students appreciated this teaching approach. The collaborative approach further proved to be a suitable method to teach both functional and clinical anatomy of the hip and knee joint. Aside from this training, a collaborative approach between medical students and physical therapy students was also successful for healthcare organization.