Impact of a case-based collaborative learning curriculum on knowledge and learning preferences of dermatology residents

Abstract

Objective: Case-based collaborative learning (CBCL) models that incorporate learner-guided content review, structured preparatory assessment, and interactive case-based classroom sessions have been shown to promote content mastery among medical students. However, limited research has explored the viability of CBCL in resident populations, particularly in dermatology. We therefore sought to investigate the impact of a CBCL curriculum covering complex medical dermatology topics on resident knowledge and learning preferences. Methods: This prospective cohort study included dermatology and combined internal medicine-dermatology resident trainees of all levels (postgraduate years 2–5) in a single residency program in Boston, Massachusetts. Four CBCL sessions covering complex medical dermatology topics were delivered to program residents between March and April 2019. Preparatory material for each session included a 20-minute concept video and a multiple-choice readiness assessment. During the sessions, residents applied their nascent understanding to newly introduced clinical vignettes and cases covering the preassigned materials. To assess knowledge and learner preferences, 15-question surveys were administered before and immediately after curriculum delivery. Changes in knowledge and learner preferences were determined using Student t tests to compare means and χ2 tests to compare proportions. Results: Of the 30 residents, 29 (96.7%) completed the precurriculum survey and 17 (56.7%) completed the postcurriculum survey. Mean content scores improved significantly (p < .01) from presession (x̅ 5.70; σ 1.88) to postsession (x̅ 9.71; σ 1.88). The majority of respondents indicated a preference for future CBCL sessions, with learning preferences remaining stable over time. Conclusion: In this single-center prospective cohort study, resident knowledge improved significantly after CBCL curriculum delivery. Most resident learners viewed the curriculum as worthwhile and preferred it to traditional lecture-based didactics. Collectively, our findings suggest that CBCL models can be feasibly implemented and durably convey complex content to resident learners.

Keywords

• Dermatology resident education
• Case-based collaborative learning
• Graduate medical education
• Medical education
• Complex medical dermatology