P068: Interrelationship between spatial abilities, anatomy knowledge and technical skills performance: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Spatial ability has been defined as a skill in representing, transforming, generating and recalling symbolic, non-linguistic information. Two distinct human spatial abilities have been identified: visualization and orientation. A sex difference in spatial abilities favouring male has been documented. A pattern of negative effects with increasing age on spatial abilities has also been demonstrated. Spatial abilities have been correlated to anatomy knowledge assessment using practical examination, three-dimensional synthesis from two-dimensional views, drawing of views, and cross-sections in a systematic review. Spatial abilities have also been correlated to technical skills performance in beginners and intermediate learners in a systematic review. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the interrelationship between spatial abilities, anatomy knowledge and technical skills. Methods: Search criteria included ‘spatial abilities’, ‘anatomy knowledge’ and ‘technical skills’. Keywords related to these criteria were identified. A literature search was done up to November 9, 2018 in Scopus and in several medical and educational databases on Ovid and EBSCOhost platforms. A bank of citations was obtained and was reviewed independently by two investigators. Citations related to abstracts, literature reviews, theses and books were excluded. Articles related to retained citations were obtained and a final list of articles was established. Methods relating spatial abilities testing, anatomy knowledge assessment and technical skills performance were identified. Results: A series of 385 titles and abstracts was obtained. After duplicates were removed and selection criteria applied, 11 articles were retained, fully reviewed, and subsequently excluded with reasons. Conclusion: No eligible articles were found in a systematic review of the interrelationship between spatial abilities, anatomy knowledge and technical skills. The outcome of future studies could help to further understand the cognitive process involved in learning a technical skill in Emergency Medicine.