Lotta Coughlin: A Case for Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Medical Education

Abstract

Abstract This problem-based learning case is suitable for medical students in their preclinical training years. The case is currently in use in our Case Centered Learning (CCL) course as part of the first-year medical student curriculum. It was written by a faculty member who is both active as a class facilitator in CCL and a member of the subcommittee of the Core Teaching Faculty devoted to enhancement and development of that portion of the curriculum. In the case, a toddler develops a methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia following an influenza infection. During the course of her illness she fails to respond to oral antibiotics and then to broad spectrum intravenous therapy because of the resistance pattern of the organism. Evaluation and management of hypoxemia and pleural effusion are discussed. At Wake Forest School of Medicine of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, day one of the case was presented on Monday afternoon in a 2-hour session led by students with the assistance of one clinical and one basic science faculty member. The students worked through their differential diagnosis as the case unfolded, generally coming to a conclusion regarding the diagnosis at the end of the Monday session. They then had sufficient information to develop well-targeted learning issues for the Friday session. On Friday, the learning issues were reviewed and discussed, while also evaluating and critiquing the resources and research methods employed by the students. After the learning issues are reviewed, more case material is presented and the case evolves, with a resolution by the end of the Friday session.

Keywords

• Fever
• Pneumonia
• Hypoxemia
• Respiratory Insufficiency
• Lung Diseases
• Pleural Effusion