A Pilot Study of Team-based Learning in Pediatric Clerkship

Abstract Background Team-based learning (TBL) is widely used in health professions education. However, TBL implanted in pediatric clerkship is rare. Here we explore the efficacy and feasibility of TBL in pediatric clerkship. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the TBL course in pediatric clerkship in between August and October in 2019, at Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. TBL group (with 107 students) compared to students from the prior year with case-based discussion (Control group, with 222 students). The learning outcomes were measured as theoretical exams when pediatric clerkship ended. The satisfaction of TBL was evaluated by an anonymous questionnaire in the TBL group. Results The grade point average before pediatric clerkship in the TBL group (3.58, 3.04–3.96) was similar to in Control group (3.62, 3.16-4.00). However theoretical exams in the TBL group (76, 67–82) were significantly higher than the control group (72, 64–78) (P = 0.002). Besides, 92.5% of students in the TBL group responded to the questionnaire with a satisfaction higher than 90%. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that TBL in pediatric clerkship was effective and feasible with a better learning outcome.