MedEdPORTAL (May 2015)
Team-Based Learning Module for the Posterior Abdominal Wall and Diaphragm
Abstract
Abstract Introduction The module utilizes the team-based learning (TBL) approach to teach the gross anatomy of the posterior abdominal wall, kidneys, and diaphragm. The application exercises include two different case studies: pyelonephritis and the pain management of cholangiocarcinoma. Methods This TBL module was originally delivered to an interprofessional class of first-year surgical physician assistant (PA) and nurse anesthetist (NA) students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the fall of 2014 in the NA/PA Gross Anatomy course, and designed to supplement cadaveric dissection activities following a traditional regional anatomy-based lecture. Following the standard TBL format, each TBL session included a preclass assignment in which students were given learning objectives and assigned readings to prepare for the session. Students were then administered individual readiness assurance tests, group readiness assurance tests, and a series of group application exercises centered on the clinical gross anatomy of the posterior abdominal wall and diaphragm. Results Following completion of the NA/PA Gross Anatomy course, student outcomes data was evaluated to determine the effectiveness of incorporating this TBL. Students of the 2014 course who participated in TBL outscored students of the 2013 course on all written and practical examinations. On average, students who participated in TBL in conjunction with lecture and dissection scored 4.9 percentage points higher on written examinations and 5.0 points higher on practical examinations than those who only participated in lectures and dissections. Discussion This TBL module successfully solidifies students' knowledge of the clinical gross anatomy of the posterior abdominal wall and diaphragm. While the content included in this module was written for first-year NA and PA students, the module is suited for a variety of health science disciplines including medicine, dentistry, optometry, and physical therapy.
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