Developing a Problem-Based Learning Approach to the Integration of Environmental and Occupational Health Topics into Medical School Curriculum. Issue 8 (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garg, Anisha; Mulloy, Karen B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 60:Issue 8(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: medical school curriculum -- occupational and environmental health teaching -- problem-based learning; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001325
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: A pilot study incorporating environmental and occupational health (EOH) learning objectives into medical school curriculum using problem-based learning approach. Methods: One hundred eight-four Case Western Reserve University medical students participated in problem-based learning curriculum emphasizing EOH topics. Multiple choice (MCQ), short essay (SEQ), and summative short essay (SSEQ) questions assessed student knowledge. Two rating scale questions and one open-ended question determined student attitudes and confidence. Results: Eighty percent of students answered 10 of 12 MCQs correctly. Students scored 70% on three of four SEQs and averaged 95.2% and 88.5% on two final SSEQs demonstrating improvement in student knowledge. Students rated the importance of and confidence in EOH topics as 4.4 and 3.9, respectively. Conclusion: Problem-based learning facilitated inclusion of new EOH content in pre-clerkship curriculum leading to achievement of students' cognitive objectives, positive attitudes, and improved confidence in EOH topics.