BODY DONATION- A DILEMMA AMONG DOCTORS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dissection of human cadaver forms an integral part of anatomy pedagogy. 'Willed body donation' is a must to maintain a constant supply of cadavers for anatomy teaching. To encourage the public towards body donation we must first develop a positive attitude in medical professionals towards the same. AIMS: The present study aims to evaluate the awareness, attitudes, beliefs of doctors towards willed body donation. METHOD: A questionnaire was administered to 250 consenting doctors (divided into two groups-male doctors and female doctors) practicing Delhi and NCR India. RESULTS: It was observed that though doctors unanimously agree to the importance of dissection in anatomy teaching and understanding they are themselves not keen on donating their bodies. The number of female doctors (29%) consenting to donation is significantly less than the number of male doctors (52%) (p<.0001). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Dissection does modulate the attitudes of doctors towards donation. Whether it is the disrespectful behavior they see being observed towards the cadaver in the dissection hall or the detachment and depersonalization they feel bound to develop towards the cadaver in order to dissect it, the outcome remainsthey are not eager to consider such fate for their own dead corpse. As the success of willed body donor programs lies in the trust the health care professionals develop with the public, it is imperative to first address and allay their fears -psychological and spiritual. Only when the doctors support this idea in all its entirety can we hope to address and preach the society of the importance of body donation. Inclusion of literature in the curriculum, seminars conducted in medical conferences and media such as television and print media are some of the suggested platform to address this issue. A positive change in society's attitude towards body donation is the ultimate goal.

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