TITLE:
Cell Biology and Ethics: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Anatomists in India
AUTHORS:
Mangala Kohli, Reeha Mahajan, Payal Bansal, Anita Tuli, P. A. Athira
KEYWORDS:
Cell Biology and Ethics: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Anatomists in India
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.3 No.3,
March
18,
2015
ABSTRACT: Most scientific discoveries and
advancements have occurred in the world in the last century. Both developed and
developing countries are the beneficiaries of the new scientific knowledge and
its application. Advanced knowledge and the ethical issues are inseparable from
research, treatment, prophylaxis and prevention involving human diseases. It is
necessary to make well informed decisions about acceptance of advancements that
have taken place elsewhere and also prepare systems for our research and
medical education. Bioethics therefore needs to be grounded in the local socio
cultural context and health care systems. Students make first contact with
human biological tissue in the Anatomy department. The seeds of ethical
practices and professionalism are sown here. Therefore appropriate knowledge
and attitudes of anatomists and cell biologists towards human tissue is
important for regular practice of medicine. A questionnaire based study of
knowledge and attitudes of 300 anatomy faculty related to use of human
biological materials in research and education was conducted. The items
included in the questionnaire were to judge the awareness about the same i.e.,
laboratory handling of human material and research related to corpses, organ
& whole body donation along with their use in clinical learning and
research in various medical specialties like, orthopedics, surgery, ENT,
anesthesia etc. for clinicians, physicians and surgeons as well as
undergraduate, post graduate and allied workforce teaching. The data collected
from the respondents in the form of positive and negative responses was
analyzed. The study identifies the knowledge gaps and the perceptions of
faculty regarding the scope and utility of understanding the role of human
biological tissues in curriculum and research and transmission of message to
the next generation of learners.