[Case-based learning in thoracic surgery : A comparison between online and face-to-face teaching]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Thoracic Surgery
• Innovative Teaching Methods

Background:

• Traditional medical education is evolving with new methods like case-based learning (CBL) and e-learning.
• There is a need to enhance student motivation and reduce teaching load for medical staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel course concept in thoracic surgery.
• To assess student motivation and explore methods for optimizing staff teaching efforts.

Main Methods:

• A case-based course on pulmonary nodules was implemented for third-year medical students.
• The course was delivered in two formats: moderated face-to-face seminars and purely online sessions.
• Student knowledge gain and subjective learning experiences were evaluated using questionnaires.

Main Results:

• 190 students participated (88 face-to-face, 102 online).
• Both groups demonstrated significant knowledge improvement.
• Students in the face-to-face group reported significantly higher subjective satisfaction than the online group.

Conclusions:

• Case-based learning is a viable educational strategy in thoracic surgery.
• Implementing online learning procedures in this context presents greater challenges than traditional face-to-face teaching.