Osteoporosis: A Small-Group Case-Based Learning Activity Article

Nguyen, B, Athauda, G, Kashan, SB et al. (2021). Osteoporosis: A Small-Group Case-Based Learning Activity . 17 11176. 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11176

cited authors

  • Nguyen, B; Athauda, G; Kashan, SB; Weiler, T; Toonkel, RL

abstract

  • Introduction: Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the world. Approximately 50% of women and 20% of men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. Future health care providers must be equipped to prevent, recognize, and treat osteoporosis-related fractures. Methods: To supplement instruction on osteoporosis, we designed a case-based session. Groups of 10-12 second-year medical students worked with a single facilitator in a roundtable discussion. The 120-minute session integrated foundational sciences (pathology, physiology, pharmacology) and clinical disciplines (clinical skills, radiology, geriatrics, evidence-based medicine). Knowledge gains were assessed by performance on nine session-relevant multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the final exam. Student satisfaction was assessed by an anonymous postsession survey. Results: There were 121 students that participated, and their average performance on nine session-relevant final exam MCQs was 84%. After removal of a single outlier MCQ (15% correct), average performance on the remaining eight MCQs was 93%. A total of 107 students (88%) responded to the postsession survey. On a 5-point Likert scale, 101 of 107 students (94%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement "The basic science-clinical combination lecture on osteoporosis followed by the small-group case discussion on osteoporosis prepared me adequately to understand the topic" (M = 4.56, SD = 0.63). Discussion: We developed a case-based learning activity for preclinical medical students to enhance the clinical scaffolding of basic science and medical knowledge around osteoporosis. Students performed well on session-relevant exam questions, demonstrating competency in the educational objectives. Student satisfaction was high, with most students feeling well prepared.

publication date

  • January 1, 2021

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 11176

volume

  • 17