Incorporation and evaluation of serial concept maps for vertical integration and clinical reasoning in case-based...

Background: Concept maps and case-based learning (CBL) are recognized and useful strategies to enhance undergraduate medical learning. However, research on the use of a mixed approach is limited. Aims: To incorporate serial concept mapping (CM) into CBL tutorials, to explore students' perspectives on the worth of the method to better understand patients' problems and elicit diagnoses, and to assess the student's learning. Methods: We designed a four-phase method of CBL that incorporated serial mapping to assist students in the process of knowledge construction regarding the underlying principles of the patients' present complaints, the recognition of disease patterns and the eliciting of diagnostic hypotheses. Students worked both individually and collaboratively. We used a questionnaire to explore the students' perspectives of the method and a score system to assess end-of-course performance. Results: The students perceived that serial CM was useful to integrate previous knowledge into new clinical information for case analysis and to elicit diagnoses. They also reported an increase in content-related knowledge. The end-of-course scores were high for most students. Conclusions: Novice medical students perceived serial CM in CBL tutorials as an effective strategy for learning. End-of-course examination scores indicated that they improved case analysis and clinical reasoning skills.