title: Psychosocial aspects of donation and the dissection course: An extra-curricular program with the objective of assisting students confront issues surrounding gross anatomy lab.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The dissection course is an essential part of preclinical medical education. At the Medical Faculty of Duesseldorf, an education concept has been developed with the aim, to reflect with students their experiences and to support them in dealing with the donor and preparation. The aim of this paper is to present the concept.
  
  
  METHODS
  The education concept had a peer group approach. It comprised a lecture, a small group seminar and an online diary as core element. Finally, the concept was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately one sixth of students made use of the online diary. Selected entries are presented here. Also, one sixth of students took part in the evaluation. They rated the activity as helpful to prepare for the dissection course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The education concept could be a corner stone of a longitudinal training to promote the adequate encounter with topics such as dying and death.
authors.affiliation: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Institut für Medizinische Soziologie, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weyers
authors.affiliation: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Institut für Geschichte der Medizin, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Thorsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Noack
authors.affiliation: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Zentrum für Anatomie, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
authors.forename: Gerd
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rehkämper
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D002102:Cadaver; D003479:Curriculum; D004210:Dissection / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012944:Social Support; D012951:Socialization; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: dissection course; psychosocial support