title: Case-based learning in education of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect of case-based learning (CBL) in the education of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
  
  
  METHODS
  The studies concerning TCM courses designed with CBL were included by searching the databases of EBSCO, Pubmed, Science Citation Index, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP database. The valid data was extracted in accordance with the included criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed with Gemma Flores-Masteo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 22 articles were retrieved that met the selection criteria: one was of high quality; two were of low quality; the rest were categorized as moderate quality. The majority of the studies demonstrated the better effect produced by CBL, while a few studies showed no difference, compared with the didactic format. All included studies confirmed the favorable effect on learners' attitude, skills and ability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBL showed the desirable results in achieving the goal of learning. Compared to didactic approach, it played a more active role in promoting students' competency. Since the quality of the articles on which the study was based was not so high, the findings still need further research to become substantiated.
authors.forename: Ji
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Fanrong
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002681:China; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000592:standards*; D000078329:Workforce