Breathing, Obstruction, Restriction, and Gas Exchange: A Pulmonary Function Testing Interpretation Framework for...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
• Exposure to PFT during medical training is inconsistent, leading to knowledge gaps.
• A structured educational approach is needed to ensure competency in PFT interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Breathing, Obstruction, Restriction, and Gas exchange (BORG) workshop.
• To provide a novel, small-group teaching framework for novice learners in PFT interpretation.
• To enhance medical trainees' understanding of PFT principles and clinical application.

Main Methods:

• The BORG workshop utilizes a whiteboard minilecture to explain the BORG framework.
• Learners apply the BORG framework through case-based worksheets with increasing PFT complexity.
• The workshop is supported by multimedia resources and evidence-based teaching scripts.

Main Results:

• The BORG framework offers a sequential approach to PFT interpretation.
• The workshop design is grounded in cognitive psychology principles (multimedia learning, dual-process theory).
• Educational materials include figures, videos, and learner/instructor worksheets.

Conclusions:

• The BORG workshop effectively teaches medical students and residents PFT interpretation.
• It facilitates progression from basic spirometry to independent PFT analysis and clinical decision-making.
• This method addresses challenges in teaching complex PFT concepts.