Case-based learning: A 'Case' for restructuring anatomy education in Indian nursing curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Education
• Anatomy

Background:

• Clinical context enhances nursing students' understanding of anatomy.
• Anatomy's vastness poses retention challenges for students.
• Case-based learning (CBL) is explored as a solution for anatomy retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) in anatomy for nursing students.
• To assess knowledge retention over short and long terms using CBL.
• To determine if CBL improves understanding of basic and clinical anatomy concepts.

Main Methods:

• Study conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
• CBL integrated and compared with didactic lectures for nursing students.
• Knowledge retention assessed via pre- and post-intervention tests; student feedback collected using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Post-test scores showed a 21% improvement after CBL intervention.
• Over 85% of students reported enhanced critical thinking, teamwork, self-directed learning, and communication skills.
• CBL demonstrated positive impact on student learning and skill development.

Conclusions:

• Case-based learning (CBL) effectively promotes short-term anatomy knowledge retention.
• CBL facilitates comprehension of essential basic and clinical concepts.
• CBL enhances crucial professional skills, better equipping nursing students for their careers.