Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Recent studies have shown that, in general, patients do not have a basic knowledge or understanding of their own anatomy. While it is the duty of the health care provider to present information to the patient regarding the specific pathology, it has been found that doctors can overestimate the patient's basic anatomical knowledge. In as such, some doctors may provide medical explanations that may be simple for the medical professional but are too complex for the patient. This "misunderstanding" between doctor and patient can result in negative communication, patient dissatisfaction and poor adherence to medical treatment protocol. The use of three dimensional models in scientific education is not a new concept and has been shown to have a critical role in learning; however, the use of three-dimensional models to assist communication in the doctor-patient relationship has yet to be explored. Patient knowledge about all aspects of the specific pathology, including general anatomy, and treatment is an important factor in promoting good health behaviour. A lack in adequate patient education may result in failure to detect early warning signs of disease or maladies. Therefore, it is hypothesized that a three dimensional model used in a health care setting will promote patient anatomical awareness.