Application Status and Intelligent Development Prospects of Case-Based Learning in Standardized Training for...

Case-based learning (CBL) is a student-centered educational approach that uses authentic clinical cases to promote competency development. Compared with traditional lecture-based learning, CBL has been increasingly adopted in residency training because of its potential to strengthen clinical reasoning, decision-making, self-directed learning, and multidisciplinary collaboration, all of which are essential in obstetrics. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the application of CBL in obstetrics residency training. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO (from database inception to June 20, 2026) using the terms case-based learning, obstetrics, gynecology, and residency training. Relevant studies addressing the implementation and educational outcomes of CBL were reviewed to examine its educational value, implementation challenges, and future development. Current evidence indicates that CBL can improve learner engagement, clinical reasoning, practical skills, and collaborative competencies. However, its effectiveness depends on multiple factors, including faculty expertise, case quality, institutional resources, learner readiness, and assessment strategies. In addition, most published studies focus on short-term educational outcomes, whereas evidence regarding long-term clinical competence, patient-related outcomes, and cost-effectiveness remains limited. Emerging educational approaches, including blended learning, simulation-based education, and artificial intelligence, may further support CBL implementation by facilitating personalized learning and continuous assessment. Nevertheless, evidence supporting these technologies in obstetrics residency education remains limited, and further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate their educational effectiveness, feasibility, and long-term impact. Overall, CBL represents a promising educational strategy for obstetrics residency training, while continued curriculum development and high-quality evidence are needed to support its broader implementation.