Piloting a blended-learning concept for integrating evidence-based medicine into the general practice clerkship

Objective: The present study investigates the feasibility of the application of evidence-based medicine (EBM) procedures by students as part of practical training in general medicine through a newly developed blended-learning teaching concept. Methodology: This study describes the development, piloting and evaluation of a blended-learning concept for implementing EBM education as part of general practice training. Our concept consists of an online tutorial introducing the theoretical background, two classroom seminars for consolidation and practical exercises based on case studies. Following this, students were to apply their knowledge to real-life cases during their training. To evaluate the learning outcome, we have developed an evaluation tool based on the Fresno Test (Bonn Test). At the end of the seminar, students were invited to evaluate the concept. Results: A total of 35 students took part in the feasibility study and 27 Bonn tests were evaluated. All students achieved more than the pass mark required in the Bonn Test in the preparation of clinical case studies. Because of the differentiated assessment of learning outcomes in all categories of the 5A EBM process, difficulties in the translation process can be revealed by the Bonn test. As a result, the concept can be refined and improved continuously. In the evaluation, 74% of the students rated the teaching concept "good" or "very good". Conclusion: Overall, this study confirmed the feasibility of our EBM concept while demonstrating that students are able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-life settings. Further research with our concept is needed, especially at an earlier stage in the curriculum.