Nutrition in Critical Care: A Modified Team-Based Learning Exercise

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This is a module for teaching medical students nutrition in critical care, utilizing a TBL format. This particular session is designed around a 2-hour time block in the classroom. Methods Students are assigned reading to be completed prior to the classroom and are tested with an independent readiness assessment test upon arrival to class. The class then discusses the answers to the test before splitting into groups for a larger, discussion-based exercise. Teams are led through a presentation by a proctor and asked to answer questions relevant to the topic of nutrition in critical care. Aspects of caloric intake and the nuances of burn injury versus starvation on the body's fuel are covered in this module. Twenty-four preclinical second-year medical students participated in the Nutrition in Critical Care Minimester Module. At the conclusion of the 2-week course, the students were given the opportunity to evaluate this specific module. Results Of the 24 students in the class, 17 completed the survey. The survey elicited responses in a five-tier grading system. The majority of the students found that the activity was “Valuable” (11/17), and the remainder found it “Extremely Valuable” (6/17). These results correspond to a 4/5 and the remainder of a 5/5 grade, respectively. In the comments section, students were allowed to write any suggestions for future iterations of this module. Several students noted that the study materials provided a substantial amount of information and wanted to have more time to prepare. Six out of 17 students thought that this module could be implemented in the future as is'without changes. Seven out of 17 indicated that the module could be implemented in the future with changes. Five of the seven students who indicated changes needed to be made to the curriculum wrote about needing more time to absorb the topics in the reading. Discussion This is a module for teaching medical students utilizing a TBL format. Feedback from learners suggests that this module is effective at conveying information regarding nutrition in critical care.

Keywords

• Critical Care
• Surgical Critical Care
• Intensive Care
• Intensive Care Units
• Feeds
• Feeding