Case-based learning with a twist: Testing the effectiveness of integrated case-based learning in an undergraduate dental curriculum

Taliya Sajjad; Ayesha Younas; Laila Shakeel Abbasi

doi:10.32593/jstmu/Vol6.Iss2.242

Taliya Sajjad Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical and Dental Education, Shifa College of Dentistry, STMU, Islamabad, Pakistan
Ayesha Younas Assistant Professor, Department of Medical and Dental Education, Shifa College of Dentistry, STMU, Islamabad, Pakistan
Laila Shakeel Abbasi Assistant Professor, Department of Medical and Dental Education, Shifa College of Dentistry, STMU, Islamabad, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32593/jstmu/Vol6.Iss2.242

Keywords: Case-based learning, Dental education, Integrated learning, Integration

Abstract

Introduction: Integrated Case-based learning (i-CBL) is a variation of traditional case-based learning in which integrated cases are developed to emulate real-life scenarios that healthcare practitioners encounter in everyday practice. This study explores the effectiveness and relative success of i-CBL pedagogy in an undergraduate dental curriculum.

Objective: To assess the impact of the i-CBL as a pedagogical strategy in an undergraduate dental curriculum..

Methodology: i-CBL was introduced in three years of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program. Cases based on integrated modules in the curriculum were developed and vetted by trained faculty. Students were also introduced to the i-CBL concept, and their detailed online feedback was taken on completing each i-CBL session in their academic year. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used for the Likert response data, and thematic analysis was conducted for the free text items.

Results: Eighty-three feedback questionnaires were collected from students throughout the year (18.2% first year, 47.5% second Year and 34.3% third Year). There was a significant difference in the students' perceptions regarding the conduct of the i-CBL over the three BDS years (p=0.00). However, there was no significant difference in their delivery by the concerned tutors (p=0.468) and the scenario construct (p=0.55). Thematic analysis of free text comments also highlighted overall student satisfaction with the i-CBL pedagogy.

Conclusion: This study highlights the value of introducing i-CBL. More focus on faculty training and the development of appropriate cases will be helpful for effective student learning.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Bin Abdulrahman KA, Mennin S, Harden RM, Kennedy C. Routledge International Handbook of Medical Education. Routledge International Handbook of Medical Education. Taylor and Francis Inc.; 2015. 1-377 p.

Mennin S. Integration of the sciences basic to medicine and the whole of the curriculum. In: Routledge International Handbook of Medical Education. Taylor and Francis Inc.; 2015. p. 171-87.

Linton DL, Pangle WM, Wyatt KH, Powell KN, Sherwood RE. Identifying key features of effective active learning: The effects ofwriting and peer discussion. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2014; 13(3):469-77.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.13-12-0242

van Diggele C, Burgess A, Mellis C. Planning, preparing and structuring a small group teaching session. BMC Med Edu. 2020; 20(2):1-8.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02281-4

Pinto BL. Distinguishing between Case Based and Problem Based Learning. Int J High Educ. 2023; 7(3):246-56.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24711616.2022.2111286

Kaur G, Rehncy J, Kahal KS, Singh J, Sharma V, Matreja PS, et al. Case-Based Learning as an Effective Tool in Teaching Pharmacology to Undergraduate Medical Students in a Large Group Setting. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2020; 7:238212052092064.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2382120520920640

McLean SF. Case-based learning and its application in medical and healthcare fields: a worldwide literature review. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2016; 3:JMECD-S20377.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4137/JMECD.S20377

Beck J, Rooholamini S, Wilson L, Griego E, McDaniel C, Blankenburg R. Choose Your Own Adventure: Leading Effective Case-Based Learning Sessions Using Evidence-Based Strategies. MedEdPORTAL. 2017; 13:10532.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10532

Williams B. Case-based learning—a literature review: is there scope for this educational paradigm in prehospital education?. Emerg Med J. 2005; 22(8):577-81.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2004.022707

Thistlethwaite JE, Davies D, Ekeocha S, Kidd JM, MacDougall C, Matthews P, et al. The effectiveness of case-based learning in health professional education. A BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 23. Med Teach. 2012; 34(6):e421-44.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2012.680939

Garvey MT, O'Sullivan M, Blake M. Multidisciplinary case‐based learning for undergraduate students. Eur J Dent Educ. 2000; 4(4):165-8.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0579.2000.040404.x

Afaghi A, Mohamadi AAHA, Sarchami R, Ziaee A. Effect of an integrated case-based nutrition curriculum on medical education at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Glob J Health Sci. 2012; 4(1):112. .

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v4n1p112

Malau-Aduli BS, Lee A, Cooling N, Catchpole M, Jose M, et al. Retention of knowledge and perceived relevance of basic sciences in an integrated case-based learning (CBL) curriculum. BMC Med Educ. 2013; 13(1):1-8.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-13-139

Chan WP, Hsu CY, Hong CY. Innovative" Case-Based Integrated Teaching" in an undergraduate medical curriculum: development and teachers' and students' responses. Ann Acad Med Singap. 2008; 37(11):952.

Daher AM, Singh HJ, Kutty MK. Differentiating case-based learning from problem-based learning after a two-day introductory workshop on case-based learning. Australasian Med J. 2017; 10(12).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21767/AMJ.2017.3142

Das S, Das A, Rai P, Kumar N. Case-based learning: Modern teaching tool meant for present curriculum: A behavioral analysis from faculties' perspective. Vol. 10, Journal of Education and Health Promotion. J Educ Health Promot; 2021.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1265_20

McLean SF. Case-Based Learning and its Application in Medical and Healthcare Fields: A Review of Worldwide Literature. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2016; 3:JMECD.S20377.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4137/JMECD.S2037

Kulak V, Newton G. A guide to using case‐based learning in biochemistry education. Biochem Mol Biol Educ. 2014; 42(6):457-73.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/bmb.20823

Dong H, Guo C, Zhou L, Zhao J, Wu X, Zhang X, et al. Effectiveness of case-based learning in Chinese dental education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2022; 12(2):e048497.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048497

Abu Farha RJ, Zein MH, Al Kawas S. Introducing integrated case-based learning to clinical nutrition training and evaluating students' learning performance. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2021; 16(4):558-64.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.03.005