Enhancing student knowledge and understanding of Immunology using integration of a clinically relevant Immunological condition within postgraduate clinical sciences education

Abstract

Abstract Proper delivery of Immunology education is fundamental for obtaining detailed understanding of important cellular processes and mechanisms. The inclusion of undergraduate Immunology teaching content within nursing, midwifery and health related courses however may vary. To support effective teaching and learning at postgraduate level for these students undertaking postgraduate clinical sciences with mixed levels of Immunology education, integration of clinically relevant Immunological course elements and related research teaching examples are needed. The purpose of this work was to successfully incorporate a clinically relevant Immunological example into Immunological course teaching. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune condition caused by untreated group A streptococcal (GAS) infection of the upper respiratory tract (and possibly skin). Multiple or severe attacks of ARF can cause permanent cardiac damage known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Rates of ARF in New Zealand and Australia are among the highest in the world, particularly amongst Māori and Pacific and Indigenous Aboriginal children. ARF as an autoimmune condition was used as a clinically relevant example to support improved understanding of Immunological course teaching elements. Students demonstrated improved confidence and understanding and memory recall of Immunological concepts in addition to improved in-class engagement and ability to answer questions. These observations suggest that the incorporation of a clinically relevant Immunological teaching example supported postgraduate students in their application of scientific content information and facilitated the in-depth understanding of Immunology within the clinical context.