Evaluation of a low-cost undergraduate digital medical curriculum platform in Rwanda: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a new medical school in Rwanda that aims to train new physicians with competencies in global health delivery for Africa. As part of an effort to deliver high-quality, preclinical medical education, UGHE has implemented a low-cost, modular digital curricular platform called ScholarRx Bricks, which has already been well evaluated in the USA. We aim to test whether Rwandan medical students will find the Bricks to be an acceptable curricular resource. Methods: Bricks are self-contained, integrated basic science learning units consisting of learning objectives, illustrated narrative text, and interactive self-assessment items delivered through a web browser. The Bricks have been assigned as flipped classroom pre-work in a course that includes integrated topics in anatomy, histology, embryology, biochemistry, and physiology. Students are in the first year of a 6-year MBBS programme. We used a Kirkpatrick programme evaluation model to measure student use and satisfaction (level 1 outcome). We also conducted a student focus group for qualitative feedback. Findings: We included responses from all 27 students, all of whom had used the Bricks in some capacity in the course; 18 students (67%) agreed that the Bricks were a helpful resource, and 19 (70%) would recommend the Bricks to other students. Key themes that arose from qualitative questions and the focus group were that the Bricks provided detailed and useful information for the course, and were valued as a curricular resource, but that information was often viewed as too advanced for this foundational stage of the medical school programme. Interpretation: The Bricks appeared to be generally well accepted by Rwandan medical students and may be a viable, low-cost curricular option in Africa. We identified potential adjustments that may improve the learner experience. Funding: ScholarRx provided in-kind support access to the Bricks.