Problem/case-based learning with competition introduced in severe infection education: an exploratory study.
BACKGROUND
Problem/case-based learning (PCBL) is one of the most commonly used educational methods in medical schools.


OBJECTIVE
To further improve PCBL in clinical course of severe infection by introducing competition mode.


METHODS
Two classes of medical students were divided into two groups by class-based simple randomization and were taught the course of severe infection by PCBL. A team-based competition was introduced in the study group (n = 35) while not in the control group (n = 36). After the course, four closely associated references were recommended. All the students were notified about a group consultation on a similar case. In the final examination, a case with severe infection complicated with infectious shock was presented for the students to analyze and resolve listed questions. Their performances were qualitatively evaluated to justify the effectiveness of the competition-based PCBL.


RESULTS
The students in the study group were more active and initiative in case discussion and interaction, in referring to case-related articles and attending clinical group-consultation. They had better performance in the case analysis in the final examination. The typical case analysis test easily figured out more excellent students in the study group.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCBL with competition mode introduced in is an effective approach to guide students to fully understand the clinical diagnoses and treatment of severe infection. It also prompts medical students' initiative in referring to case-related articles and attending group-consultation, both of which are essential to equip medical students with sufficient competency for clinical practice.
Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Jian-Hua
JH
Lei
Eight-Year Clinical Medicine, 2010 Grade, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Yi-Jing
YJ
Guo
Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Zi
Z
Chen
Eight-Year Clinical Medicine, 2010 Grade, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, No. 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Yao-Yan
YY
Qiu
Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Guo-Zhong
GZ
Gong
Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan People's Republic of China.
Yan
Y
He
Clinical course; Competition mode; Problem/case-based learning; Severe infection