Using project-based learning to enhance curricular integration and relevance of basic medical sciences in pre-clerkship years

Abstract

Achieving high levels of integration in the basic medical sciences’ curricula is challenging. Project-based learning (PtBL) is an inquiry-based learning approach that can be used in multiple educational contexts with various designs. We used PtBL to enhance curricular integration during the pre-clerkship years. The study was done at The Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. We designed interdisciplinary clinically relevant integrated research project tasks. Tasks followed curricular objectives. Students worked in teams to write and deliver project reports. Based on their understanding of the basic medical sciences, they analyzed the assigned tasks and used reasoning to create diagnoses. They related the condition to the disrupted normal structure/functions, suggested/contraindicated specific treatment and preventive plans. A cross-sectional survey was introduced to assess students’ perceptions of the learning approach used. Response rate was 52% (n = 694). Students’ responses were analyzed. Most students (84.6%) were satisfied by the integrated interdisciplinary PtBL. They (57.9%) preferred substituting the traditional lectures completely by it. Students understood the relation between objectives of disciplines after PtBL completion (mean 3.66, SD ±0.92) higher than before it (mean 3.46, SD ±0.91), (P = 0.000). Students’ ranking for the degree of integration between basic/clinical sciences in the PtBL was significantly associated with the developed clinical reasoning rank (P = 0.000). It was also associated with responses supporting the future implementation of the PtBL again (P = 0.002). Various ways of adding PtBL approach to the curricula were suggested. The PtBL can be used as a complementary learning method to elevate the level of integration within a multidisciplinary approach to boost students’ learning.