Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6084
Title: Historical trends and current experiences of anatomical body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools
Authors: Phillipa Marima
Josephine Tendai Chidaushe
Svetlana King
Fidelis Chibhabha
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.
Anatomy Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Prideaux Discipline of Clinical Education, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Buckingham, Buckingham MK18 1EG, United Kingdom
Keywords: Anatomical body donation
Medical education
Mixed methods
Zimbabwe
Issue Date: 13-Mar-2024
Publisher: Elsevier
Abstract: Background: Body donation is integral to anatomy education, but procurement can be ethically fraught. While voluntary donation is preferred, the use of unclaimed bodies, although considered unethical, is a primary means for body procurement in some countries. This mixed methods study examined historical trends and anatomy technical staff perspectives on body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools. Methodology and main findings: In Phase 1, 194 cadaver paper records from January 1984 to January 2021 were reviewed. Unclaimed bodies accounted for 67% while 33% (all white Zimbabweans) were voluntarily donated. Most cadavers were black Africans (62.4%) followed by white Zimbabweans (34.0%). Race was not indicated in seven (3.6%) records. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven technicians responsible for sourcing cadavers at the two institutions. Data were thematically analysed resulting in the development of eight themes, arranged into three domains. Cadaver procurement themes related to (1) cadaver source, (2) adherence to procurement guidelines, (3) screening for suitability, and (4) cultural and religious beliefs. Cadaver embalmment focused on (5) embalming practices, and (6) hospital mortuary-based embalming. Finally, (7) disposal processes and (8) resource constraints were found to influence cadaver disposal practices. Conclusions: Contrary to best practice, there is continued reliance on the use of unclaimed bodies to support anatomy education in the two Zimbabwean medical schools. Improving the ethical sourcing of bodies requires increased efforts to educate all Zimbabweans, especially the black majority, about the role and importance of voluntary body donation in medical education. Additionally, well-structured, and well-resourced body donation programs could enhance ethical procurement.
URI: https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6084
Appears in Collections:Research Papers

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