Interactive online clinicopathologic case simulations in coagulation disorders for pathology residency programs: A...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Hematology
• Pathology Training

Background:

• Coagulation disorders are challenging for trainees due to rarity and variable case exposure.
• Current work-up processes often limit trainees' independent judgment.
• A need exists for standardized, effective educational tools in coagulation disorder training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of an interactive, online, case-based module for pathology trainees learning coagulation disorders.
• To assess the impact of the module on trainees' knowledge and diagnostic skills.
• To determine trainee satisfaction with the novel educational approach.

Main Methods:

• Four pathology residency programs implemented an online module with nine high-yield coagulation disorder cases.
• Fifty trainees worked through cases independently before supervised discussion sessions.
• Pre- and post-assessment tests and a trainee survey were used to evaluate learning outcomes.

Main Results:

• Mean assessment scores improved from 62.5% pre-module to 80.6% post-module.
• 85% of participants found the module more useful than lectures or textbooks.
• 82% reported a better understanding of case work-ups, with 96% desiring more cases.

Conclusions:

• The integrated, standardized online module successfully enhanced pathology trainees' knowledge of coagulation disorders.
• This interactive, case-based learning method offers a valuable supplement to traditional pathology education.
• The positive trainee feedback supports the widespread adoption of such digital learning tools in medical curricula.