Immune-Mediated Renal Diseases: A Team-Based Learning Module for Preclinical Medical Students

The underlying immune mechanisms of renal diseases are complex, and medical students benefit from learning these complexities in the setting of team-based learning (TBL), where they can apply foundational immunologic concepts to clinical problems.

This immune-mediated renal disease TBL module focusing on glomerular disease was delivered over a period of 2 consecutive years in an integrated cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal block within the second semester of the first year of medical school. Each class consisted of 53 students, for a total of 106 students. The TBL module consisted of a seven-question individual and team readiness assurance test (iRAT and tRAT) and two clinically relevant team application activities. Following the TBL module, students completed an 18-item survey that collected information on student perspectives of engagement.

For the 2-year period, the iRAT average scores were 73% and 74%, and the tRAT average scores were 100% and 99%, respectively. The survey assessing student perceptions of engagement yielded positive feedback.

In summary, this TBL module effectively integrates the foundational and clinical sciences to teach higher-order concepts in immunology and renal disease pathogenesis to medical students.