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A Qualitative Examination Detailing Medical Student Experiences of a Novel Competency-Based Neuroanatomy eLearning
Elizabeth Paige Hart1, Jennifer Brueckner-Collins1, Jessica S Bergden1
1Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
Background:
A 1-year time-gap between first- and second-year neuroanatomy courses was created at our institution as a result of restructuring the curriculum from systems-based to an integrated format. Additionally, neuroanatomy hours decreased significantly (48.8%) when transitioning to an integrated curriculum, similar to other medical schools. Competency-based eLearning in medical education has shown promising results with decreasing overall learning time and improving accuracy. To date, competency-based eLearning has not yet been explored in neuroanatomy education.
Objective:
The purpose of this study is to develop and assess a novel competency-based neuroanatomy eLearning intervention for second-year medical students designed to bridge a 1-year time-gap, without adding significant instructional hours, in an integrated curriculum.
Methods:
A competency-based eLearning intervention encompassing the major tracts, brainstem anatomy, and an interactive case featuring a simulated patient experience was developed in the Articulate Storyline® platform. Student usage data, single-session course evaluations, and a focus group were used to evaluate the module's effectiveness.
Results:
Student usage data showed an average completion time of M = 2:59:25 hours which fit within the scheduled 3-hour timeframe. Students rated the module's overall effectiveness as M = 3.65 (out of 4) on a single-session evaluation. A focus group provided qualitative feedback suggesting improvements to the eLearning module in the domains of content, mechanics, and timing.
Conclusion:
A competency-based neuroanatomy eLearning intervention shows promising initial results to bridge a 1-year educational gap within an integrated curriculum. Overall, students described this educational tool as helpful and outlined ways in which to improve this resource.
