“My Belly Hurts”: Approaching Abdominal Pain in the Pregnant Patient - A Problem-Based Learning Module

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Traditionally, the third- and fourth-years of medical school are dedicated to developing clinical knowledge. This problem-based learning (PBL) case is designed with the idea of maintaining focus on relevant basic science content as students advance their clinical science training. The case grew out of inpatient OB-GYN experiences. The case reviews basic science concepts around changes in physiology in pregnancy and urinalysis to help students improve clinical knowledge about pyelonephritis, a serious condition in pregnancy. Methods This module is a slide presentation-based case intended for third-year medical students who are enrolled in their OB-GYN clerkship. Groups of students work together with the assistance of an expert facilitator to examine, discuss, and learn from each other using the content of the case as support. The case itself follows the evaluation of a pregnant patient with abdominal pain, through her diagnosis with acute pyelonephritis, to her treatment and cure. Results In gauging the educational value of our work, we decided to collect feedback using a survey form. The form was completed at the end of activity and asked students to evaluate how well they believed the module achieved the stated goals. Overall, students strongly and consistently stated that the module supported the learning objectives. Qualitative feedback from students directed the authors to include more supportive information in the facilitator's guide. Discussion The authors regret that there is no pre- and post-module assessment data to share. When originally designing the module, we found that time constraints prohibited this form of assessment. Additionally, examining clerkship shelf scores was also unreliable due to the nature of clerkship scheduling at our institution.

Keywords

• Abdominal Pain
• Pyelonephritis
• Pregnant Women
• Acute Pyelonephritis
• Urinalysis
• Asymptomatic Bacteriuria