Team Based Learning is a helpful strategy for teaching respiratory guidelines to Trainee Medical Doctors

Abstract

Background: Compliance with clinical practice guidelines is sub-optimal. Guidelines are often taught in a didactic method that does not favour a greater depth of understanding. Team Based Learning (TBL) is a five step educational strategy which aims to promote greater retention of knowledge. Methods: Two Respiratory guidelines of key clinical importance were chosen as the teaching subject matter - The BTS guidelines for Oxygen use in adults 2017 and the BTS/SIGN Asthma guidelines 2016. Teaching was delivered via two one-hour sessions to Foundation Year two Doctors. Preparatory reading materials were sent out in advance. Trainees were split into small working groups and asked to complete two attempts of a 20 MCQ test (individually and then in groups). Answers were given through a facilitator led slide presentation with open participant discussion. Deeper learning was facilitated through a detailed case summary with critique of four potential management plans. Results: Feedback was collated from an immediate post-session questionnaire and then afterwards using a Likert rating scale. 100% of participants felt that the objectives of the session were identified and met and that delivery was effective. Doctors were asked to identify any advantages to using the TBL methodology - 42% stated increased session engagement in their free text answers. The same question was asked for disadvantages – the most common theme (35.7% of answers) was increased time of the session. Conclusions: TBL was felt by trainees to be a positive way to learn and embed new knowledge. Further research is needed to see if TBL methods increase the likelihood of guideline adherence in clinical practice.