Purpose: To determine whether a novel Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) curriculum based in self-directed learning (SDL) influences knowledge-based performance during medical students’ obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) clinical rotation.
Background: Given the overwhelming number of learning resources available to medical students, self-directed learning (SDL) plays an integral role in current medical training.
Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at a single academic institution (Albany Medical College) through the 2019-2020 academic year. We randomized students to experience the standard OBGYN rotation with or without the addition of the MFM SDL experience. The SDL experience included high-yield worksheets, videos, and clinical experience in MFM. Students filled out surveys measuring satisfaction and MFM knowledge before and after their rotation.
Results: We enrolled 130 students, with 38 randomized to the MFM group and 92 to the non-MFM group. The two groups performed similarly on the OBGYN NBME exam (MFM average: 78.0, non-MFM average: 76.8, p=.45). Both groups had overall improvement in knowledge with no significant change in improvement from each other (MFM improvement: 2.7%, non-MFM improvement: 7.14%, p=.42). Both groups had an overall increase in anticipated to actual satisfaction rate with no significant difference (MFM increased satisfaction rate: 12.5%, non-MFM increased satisfaction rate: 10.0%, p=.78).
Discussions: There were no statistically significant differences in NBME scores, MFM based knowledge, or rotation satisfaction amongst students participating in a novel SDL MFM curriculum. Despite these findings, the majority of students in the MFM group were satisfied with their experience and would recommend the curriculum to future students.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, UME, Lecture, Independent Study, Problem-Based Learning, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, General Ob-Gyn,
Serena Liu, MD, Albany Medical Center; Cassandra Denefrio, MD
