Implementation of a Medical School Elective Course Incorporating Case-Based Learning: a Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Case-based learning (CBL) utilizes clinical case studies to reinforce medical topics.
• A pilot elective course was implemented for first-year medical students to assess CBL's effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the logistical aspects of implementing a CBL elective course.
• To evaluate medical student reception and perceived efficacy of CBL for learning basic science material.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week elective course ran from 2012-2017, facilitated by specialists integrating clinical scenarios with didactic lectures.
• Student feedback was gathered via end-of-term surveys with multiple-choice and free-response questions.
• Data were analyzed using summary statistics.

Main Results:

• The course enrolled an average of 45.6 students per cohort (24.5% of class size).
• 64.2% of students reported expanded knowledge, and 89.1% felt expectations were met or exceeded.
• 80.2% would retake or recommend the course; 27.1% preferred CBL over lectures, with 45.3% favoring its curriculum integration.

Conclusions:

• The CBL elective was well-received and perceived as effective by medical students.
• Students showed receptiveness to integrating CBL into preclinical curricula alongside didactic learning.
• Findings suggest medical schools consider exploring CBL implementation.