A preliminary study of teaching effect of problem-based learning with arthroscopic simulated training

Abstract

Objective To investigate the teaching effect of problem-based learning (PBL) for specific cases combined with arthroscopic simulated training in the clinical teaching of arthroscopy for orthopedics. Methods A total of 40 clinical interns in Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical Hospital were selected and divided into experimental group and control group. The interns in the control group received traditional clinical training, and those in the experimental group received the clinical teaching of PBL for specific case combined with arthroscopic simulated training. SAS 9.2 software was used for a statistical analysis of teaching outcomes. Results The experimental group had a significantly higher score of comprehensive professional ability than the control group [(43.00±6.15) vs. (35.90±4.94), P<0.05]. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly better scores of all items of professional ability assessment except patients' evaluation of interns (all P<0.05). As for the quality of teaching, compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly higher numbers of interns who agreed to each assessment item except the item of improvement in coordination and cooperation ability. Conclusion The clinical teaching method of PBL for specific case combined with arthroscopic simulated training can improve learning enthusiasm and ability and proficiency of clinical operational skills among clinical interns, and therefore, it holds promise for application in clinical teaching. Key words: Problem-based learning; Simulated training; Arthroscopy; Clinical teaching