Novel Diagnostic Educational Resource: Use of a web-based adaptive learning module to teach inflammatory reaction patterns in dermatopathology to medical students, residents, and fellows

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BackgroundPerceptual and adaptive learning modules (PALM’s) provide a large number of visual examples for evaluation and accommodate to learner performance by actively adjusting the module parameters. MethodsWe developed a module for discriminating 5 inflammatory reaction patterns using the Novel Diagnostic Educational Resource (NDER) platform. The module included a 20 question pre-test, a 200 question training section, and a 20 question post-test. During the pre-test and post-test, images were displayed for an indefinite period of time with no feedback given. In the training section, images were displayed for a duration inverse to learner performance, and after submitting their response learners were immediately shown the correct answer. The performance of module participants was compared to a control group who completed pre-test and post-test only. Results26 pathology and dermatology residents completed the module and were included in analysis. Pre-test and post-test scores showed an average increase of 17.1 percentage points (95% CI 13.0 to 21.2, P < 0.001). When performance on pre-test and post-test was compared between the module and control groups, module group performance increased more than control group performance by an average of 10.1 percentage points (95% CI -2.5 to 17.8, P = 0.0119). 84% (37) of participants found the module somewhat useful or very useful and 68% (30) of participants would be pretty likely or very likely to recommend to another trainee. ConclusionsOur findings validate the use of NDER for teaching inflammatory reaction patterns. Participants generally had favorable feedback regarding the interface and teaching potential of the module. Including a late re-test as part of the module would be beneficial in further validating future iterations. Next steps include optimizing module performance and developing module content for more advanced learners.