RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Does Teaching Before or After Simulation Improve Learning?

Researchers are running a study to find out the most effective way for medical students to learn about a serious medical condition called 'pediatric status epilepticus.' This is a type of severe, long-lasting seizure in children. The study wants to see if students learn better and remember more when they first practice using a simulation (like a medical dummy) and then have a classroom lesson, or if a classroom lesson followed by a simulation works better. Students will be divided into two groups, and each group will experience the teaching methods in a different order. The goal is to improve how future doctors are taught, so they can provide the best care for children. This study will help us understand which teaching method leads to better long-term knowledge and skills.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

20 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2025

Medical Education Simulation

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help improve how medical students are taught, specifically focusing on how they learn to handle a very serious situation called 'pediatric status epilepticus.' This is a medical term for a severe and lasting seizure in children, which needs quick and effective treatment.

The main question the researchers want to answer is whether medical students learn and remember better if they first get practical experience using a medical simulation (like practicing on a special dummy that acts like a patient) and then have a traditional lecture, or if a lecture followed by a practical simulation is more effective. They believe that if we can find the best way to teach these critical skills, future doctors will be better prepared to help children in emergencies.

To find this out, medical students taking part will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will do the simulation first, then have a lecture. The other group will have the lecture first, then do the simulation. The researchers will then compare how well both groups remember the information and perform the necessary actions. This will help them understand which teaching order leads to better learning that lasts over time, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Key takeaways

The study aims to find the best way to teach medical students about severe childhood seizures.
It compares learning through hands-on simulation first versus a traditional lecture first.
Participation involves being in one of two groups that experience the teaching in different orders.
The goal is to improve how future doctors are trained.
This is an educational study for medical students at the University of British Columbia.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia.

There are no other specific requirements or reasons why you couldn't join. If you fit the description of being a second-year medical student at that university, you would be considered eligible for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently a second-year medical student?
Are you studying at the University of British Columbia?
Do you want to help improve medical education?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned to one of two groups by chance. One group will first participate in a practical session using a simulation to learn about treating severe childhood seizures, followed by a classroom lecture on the same topic. The other group will have the classroom lecture first, followed by the simulation session.

Both the simulation and the lecture will focus on 'pediatric status epilepticus,' which is a serious type of seizure in children. The researchers will then assess your knowledge and skills to see which training order was more effective. The total time for participation is expected to be quite short, likely within a single day for the training and assessment.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves very minimal risk, as it focuses on educational methods and does not involve any medical treatments. You might gain a deeper understanding of treating pediatric seizures, regardless of which group you are in. Your decision to participate is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it will not affect your academic standing.

Locations (1)

BC Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'pediatric status epilepticus'?

It's a medical term for a severe and long-lasting seizure in children that needs urgent medical attention.

What is a medical simulation?

It's like hands-on practice, often using a lifelike dummy or a special computer program, to learn medical procedures in a safe environment.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The study description doesn't mention any payment for participation.

How long will I need to commit to this study?

The study involves a single training and assessment session. The exact duration isn't specified but would likely be a few hours on one day.

Will this affect my grades at university?

No, your participation is voluntary and will not impact your academic standing.

How to find out more

John Ramsay, MD

john.ramsay1@phsa.ca (604) 875-2345 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.