Live from the Lab: Livestreaming Anatomy demonstrations – balancing Anatomy regulations with Inclusion

A challenge that the pandemic posed on Anatomy educators was how to teach gross anatomy – a visual lab-based subject, when lab access was curtailed. Often in higher education live-streaming was used to compensate for some lab-based learning. However, livestreaming anatomical specimen-based demonstrations can be complicated because Anatomists are bound by country-specific legislations (e.g. the Anatomy Act 1984 modified by the Human Tissue Act 2006 in Scotland). These regulations stipulate how we use bequeathed specimens and have hitherto led to their conservative use within licensed spaces. These stringent regulations may be perceived as restrictive when increasingly, higher education study options are flexible however upholding Anatomy regulations supersedes all other considerations. Therefore, livestreaming cadaveric demonstrations was not standard practice prior to the pandemic. Commercial Anatomy packages such as 3D models or dissection videos were an alternative but were often not as effective. We therefore began live-streaming anatomy demonstrations, “Live from the Lab” as the only way our medical students could “access” cadaver-based teaching. A revised student code of conduct and IT security considerations mitigated risk of misuse thus upholding regulatory requirements. We recorded these sessions and uploaded recordings onto students’ secure virtual learning environment removing any incentive for students to break the code, whilst simultaneously making the session accessible and thereby inclusive. Students highly value this session as it promotes deep and active learning. Therefore, Live from the Lab continues to have a place in our teaching tool-kit as an adjunct to practical sessions even after resumption of in-person lab sessions.