Determinants of cadaver acquisition at Human Anatomy Learning Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Human anatomy instruction in Kenya is based on dissection of cadavers during practical sessions. Institutions get these  cadavers using procedures available to them. However, the processes used are not standardized, and several problems are likely to  develop during the cadaver acquisition process. Several factors appear to have an impact on the source, availability, and cadaver  collection techniques. Some of the issues affecting cadaver acquisition may not be sufficiently addressed by current anatomy practice  guidelines. This study evaluated the determinants of cadaver acquisition at human anatomy learning institutions in Kenya.

Methodology:  Anatomists and anatomy laboratory personnel handling cadavers in Kenya were interviewed for the study. A cross-sectional study design  was used, as well as a purposive sampling strategy. The self-administered surveys were completed by 68 study participants. The data was  tallied, loaded into SPSS version 26 for analysis, then plotted into graphs and tables for interpretation.

Results: Cadavers were mostly  acquired from unclaimed bodies (100%). In most situations (80.9%), anatomy laboratory technicians oversee cadaver collection. A  cadaver acquisition delay of more than two weeks was reported by 80.88% of respondents. According to 44.12% of respondents, the  biggest reason for cadaver collecting delays was the need for financial compensation. Most cadavers (98.5%) are obtained through  lobbying at the source. According to 92.6% of responders, defaced or damaged cadavers are mostly rejected. According to 94.2% of  respondents, the Kenya Anatomy Act has no instructions on how to obtain cadavers.

Conclusion: The efficiency of cadaver acquisition is  affected by several factors that affect both the procedure and the people in charge of procuring the cadavers. Institutions in Kenya lack a comprehensive cadaver acquisition policy that describes the procedure and personnel in charge of procuring cadavers. There is no  specified documented protocol or guideline for cadaver acquisition in the Kenya anatomy act.