LEAN in Medical Education: Reaching for Quality Management Tools to Teach Human Anatomy Effectively in a Multicultural and Multilingual Learning Space

University of Pécs applied for this project because we recognized the growing need for medical educators in Central Europe to align with global standards in medical education. As the World Federat...

By implementing this project, the beneficiaries achieved several key outcomes. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of legal requirements and international standards, helping them identify gaps and misconceptions in their knowledge. They explored the history and evolution of anatomy teaching, recognizing strengths and weaknesses in their own methods. The project enhanced their understanding of the psychological and cognitive processes involved in studying anatomy, fostering professional attitude development in medical students. Participants learned about student-centered learning and relevant pedagogical tools, identifying areas for improvement in their practices. The project also highlighted the relationship between mental health, student attitudes, and teaching methods. By addressing these issues, the project supports Central European universities in aligning their teaching traditions with international standards. It fosters collaboration with renowned institutions, revealing gaps in existing traditions and exploring their sources. Ultimately, the project aims to improve dropout rates, mental health, and professional attitudes among anatomists and students, contributing to global improvements in medical education.

The most essential activities of the project were connected to the development of the project results. In the first period of the project, partners conducted research to map the anatomy teaching practices and traditions of each participating medical schools. Each partner coordinator researched national requirements for quality teaching and intended learning outcomes (ILOs) in medical education based on their country’s legislation. We also conducted questionnaire surveys to assess the quality of anatomy education and to identify the satisfaction of students and teachers. At the Kick-off meeting in Brno, Czechia, international standards were presented, and key definitions for relevant assessments and documentation were clarified. Over the first half of the project participants conducted a literature review on the epistemic, psychological, sociocultural, and economic values of studying human anatomy. Throughout the research work and professional discussions, as the first phase of the project was implemented, we were able to identify 5 TOPICs around which the results of the project were organised. 1. TOPIC 1 - Quality Standars of Medical Education 2. TOPIC 2 - Development of Professional Values and attitudes Through Teaching Anatomy 3. TOPIC 3 - Traditions in Anatomy 4. TOPIC 4 - Pedagogy in Medical Education 5. TOPIC 5 - Mental Health Management of Students and Teachers In summer 2022 experts led a brainstorming workshop (LTTA 1) at Magdalene College, Cambridge, exploring the influence of culture and society on doctors' attitudes, both historically and in modern anatomy education. The workshop also focused on student-centered pedagogy, with educational developers from Karolinska Institute guiding participants. An important seminar on mental health management in academic settings was conducted, discussing how medical performance indicators can impact mental health and strategies for managing these risks. In the second project period (2023), participants developed assessment tools with guidance from Karolinska Institute experts. These tools focused on measuring anatomists attitudes toward professional values while teaching anatomy. A training workshop at the University of Pécs in Summer 2023 (LTTA 2) helped to understand sustainable development goals, and how it can be integrated into anatomy teaching. During the final period, new tools were tested within anatomy courses (as pilot acions), and feedback was gathered from other anatomists, from national anatomical societies and other participants of multiplier events, including medical students. The findings were shared at multiplier events in Pécs, Telc and Zagreb, including national conferences, and incorporated into an online teacher training module. To ensure the collaboration and knowledge exchange among partner institutions 5 Transnational Project Meetings were organised during the project implementation period. These meetings allowed participants to align project goals, share best practices, and it ensured that the project's objectives were being met consistently. Additionally, they promoted a sense of shared responsibility and strengthened partnerships, enhancing the overall impact and sustainability of the project outcomes. These meetings were also important from a project management point of view, as participants coulf discuss milestones and stages of project implementation, and could discuss technical, financial issues as well.