Evaluation of an online case-based learning module that integrates basic and clinical sciences.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Chiropractic Curriculum
• Online Learning

Background:

• Traditional medical education often separates basic and clinical sciences.
• Integrating these disciplines can enhance student understanding and knowledge retention.
• Case-based learning provides a practical context for applying scientific principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate an integrated, case-based online learning module.
• To compare student performance between integrated and traditional learning formats.
• To assess student perceptions of the integrated module's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Developed an online, case-based module on Bell's palsy, integrating basic and clinical sciences.
• Compared exam performance on Bell's palsy questions between a cohort using the module and a control cohort using traditional lectures.
• Administered a perception survey to students who used the integrated module.

Main Results:

• Exam performance on Bell's palsy questions was equivalent between the integrated module group and the traditional lecture group.
• Student survey responses indicated positive perceptions of the integrated module.
• Students found the module helpful for improving, reinforcing, and integrating knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Case-based integrated online modules are well-received by students.
• These modules achieve comparable exam performance to traditional methods.
• Integrated modules can be a valuable tool for connecting scientific information within the chiropractic curriculum.