Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes: Team-Based Learning

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This activity was designed to help students learn the basic pharmacology of antihyperglycemic agents and treatment strategies used in type 2 diabetes, practice applying this knowledge to clinical decision-making, and consider general issues that influence the choice of medication for an individual patient. Methods The activity follows standard procedures for team-based learning, including an advanced preparation reading assigned in advance, a Readiness Assurance Test taken both individually and then in teams, and a more complex application exercise where students apply their knowledge to a realistic clinical scenario, working together in teams and then discussing their reasoning with others. Results The session has been offered for 3 consecutive years, twice exclusively to first-year medical students and once in an interprofessional format where teams included a mix of first-year medical and second-year pharmacy students. Knowledge outcomes assessed by end-of-course exams were similar to those obtained previously with lectures while affording greater learning opportunities beyond simple recall through student engagement with the materials and application exercise. The interprofessional version was particularly well received by learners of both professions, and we are continuing to offer the session in this format as well as pursuing opportunities to provide other interprofessional experiences. Discussion The activity provides a useful model for adapting team-based learning to teach complex topics in pharmacology and demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of incorporating interprofessional experiences into the early years of undergraduate medical education.

Keywords

• Team-Based Learning
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Type 2
• Interprofessional Communication
• Pharmacology
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus