A Novel Case-Based Learning Activity With a Focus on Food Insecurity.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Food insecurity affects 1 in 10 US households, significantly impacting chronic health conditions.
• Integrating screening and management of food insecurity into medical curricula is crucial for addressing this social determinant of health (SDOH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel case-based learning exercise (CBLE) designed to enhance medical students' knowledge, confidence, and attitudes regarding food insecurity.
• To assess the effectiveness of a 2-hour CBLE in improving the recognition and management of food insecurity among first-year medical students.

Main Methods:

• A 2-hour case-based learning exercise (CBLE) was developed for first-year medical students.
• The CBLE involved case discussions and standardized patient interviews.
• Pre- and post-assessment surveys were administered to evaluate knowledge and attitudes.

Main Results:

• Knowledge regarding the definition, recognition (vs. hunger), and screening for food insecurity significantly improved post-CBLE (P < .05).
• Student participation in surveys was 29% (48/166).
• No significant changes were observed in knowledge regarding the association between chronic diseases and food insecurity.

Conclusions:

• The novel CBLE effectively enhanced medical students' practical knowledge of recognizing food insecurity within a 2-hour session.
• Additional educational interventions are necessary to deepen understanding of the relationship between food insecurity and chronic diseases.
• The CBLE format shows promise for improving knowledge of various social determinants of health (SDOH).