Can Team-Based Learning (TBL) Be Used to Deliver Postgraduate Education in Transfusion Medicine for UK Physicians?

There is global need for evidence-based methodologies to effectively deliver transfusion training. This research critically assesses both efficacy and the practicalities of introducing team-based learning (TBL) to deliver transfusion medicine education to UK postgraduate doctors (residency equivalence).

One TBL orientation session and three transfusion medicine sessions, mapped to the 2012 Foundation Programme curriculum, were designed adhering to TBL principles. These were delivered by one tutor during 'compulsory' (except rota commitments and leave) educational sessions. Team continuity plus trainee reaction, knowledge acquisition and behaviour were evaluated.

Forty-eight doctors received a mean 2.5 TBL sessions. Five teams were developed with average team membership of 5.85 doctors per session. Overall team continuity (total team members attending/potential team members × 100) was 65% over the four sessions. Qualitative and quantitative trainee reaction to TBL was positive. Objective knowledge acquisition showed improved team knowledge over individual knowledge. Mean team readiness assurance testing (RAT) score exceeded maximum individual RAT score in 90% of cases. Subjective knowledge acquisition significantly improved, although confidence concerning prescribing declined. The reported time spent preparing for sessions correlated with enjoyment, subjective knowledge gain and clinical confidence. Preparation time was reported as 'adequate' or 'excellent' in 86% of anonymous feedback.

TBL is an enjoyable and effective approach to deliver transfusion education to doctors, particularly when preparation is adequate. Team continuity is poor despite 'compulsory' education sessions. This must be considered when designing and delivering TBL sessions in the UK postgraduate medical setting.