Evaluation of Preclinical Task Based Learning program in Medical Education.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Preclinical Training
• Active Learning Strategies

Background:

• Conventional medical curricula often lack early clinical exposure, hindering the integration of basic science with clinical practice.
• Developing clinical reasoning, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills is crucial for healthcare providers.
• Preclinical task-based learning (TskBL) offers an active learning approach focusing on real-world medical tasks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate first-year medical student perceptions of a preclinical task-based learning (TskBL) module's effectiveness.
• To assess the impact of standardized patient encounters within the TskBL strategy.
• To identify areas for improvement in TskBL module design and implementation.

Main Methods:

• TskBL modules were implemented for nine common clinical topics among first-year medical students.
• Student perceptions were gathered through focus group discussions after module completion.
• Qualitative data analysis focused on student feedback regarding module design, processes, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Students emphasized the value of standardized patients for early clinical exposure in preclinical education.
• Positive feedback was received regarding the acquisition of essential medical knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Students reported satisfaction with the module design, processes, and activities within the TskBL framework.

Conclusions:

• TskBL, particularly with standardized patients, is a potent strategy for early clinical exposure in medical schools.
• Student feedback indicates TskBL's effectiveness in enhancing preclinical medical education.
• Future improvements should focus on optimizing the standardized patient encounter component of TskBL modules.