MedEdPORTAL (Feb 2016)
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Lesson in Pathology, Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Congenital abnormalities can be difficult to understand without being provided a broad overview of the developmental and clinical aspects that come along with them. Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is one such abnormality that can present during embryological development or later in childhood, depending on the types of mutations accrued in the PKHD1 gene. The abnormalities that develop in this disease vary greatly and there are no disease-specific treatments at this time. This module aims to increase awareness of ARPKD, as well as the diversity in its presentation. Methods The module includes in-depth review of urinary system and respiratory system development that uses 3D models to isolate these systems and provide the learner with a better spatial understanding of these processes. Clinical images provide the learner with an idea of disease presentation while discussing potential treatment options. Histological images from diseased and normal tissues of the same developmental age allow for instant comparison of histopathological characteristics. Results This resource was tested in two phases among two cohorts: first-year graduate students in anatomy and pathology residents/fellows. The first phase asked participants to complete a pretest on ARPKD to assess their initial knowledge of the disease. The second phase of the study was a retention survey to evaluate knowledge retained 30 days after the module. Both cohorts showed an increase in test scores from pretest to posttest (p = .003). When comparing the pretest to the retention test, there was also a significant increase in test scores (p = .005), indicating that retention of module material occurs at least 30 days from module interaction. Discussion Analysis of this data proved that learning did occur through use of this module. A module survey also provided user feedback, showing user satisfaction with this resource and guided changes for module improvement in clarity and navigation. Overall, the online learning module was found to be an effective learning resource.
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