Comparative Evaluation of Choose Your Own Adventure and Traditional Linear Case Formats in Radiology Small Group...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology Training
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Traditional linear case formats may not fully engage medical students in radiology small group sessions.
• Innovative educational methods are needed to enhance learning outcomes in preclinical medical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) presentation format versus a linear case format for teaching radiology to medical students.
• To assess student engagement, satisfaction, and clinical decision-making skills in a radiology small group setting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with second-year medical students in a pulmonary course.
• Students were assigned to either a linear case format or a CYOA presentation format for a radiology small group session.
• Surveys assessing perceptions and a knowledge quiz were administered to students; facilitators also completed qualitative surveys.

Main Results:

• The CYOA format group reported significantly higher engagement (p < 0.001) and satisfaction (p < 0.001) compared to the linear format.
• Students in the CYOA group also perceived greater enhancement of clinical decision-making skills (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in knowledge quiz performance was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• The CYOA presentation format is a more effective educational method than the linear case format for improving medical student satisfaction and engagement in radiology small group learning.
• The CYOA format shows potential for enhancing clinical decision-making skills in preclinical radiology education.