Learning Module for Medical Education

(MAP-Rachis Trial)

Overseen By Issam Tanoubi, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital

Disqualifiers: Refusal to consent, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This medical education research project aims to evaluate the impact of a directed perceptual learning module (PLM) on spinal sonoanatomy. Following a demographic questionnaire, participants will be exposed to a tutorial explaining the necessary theoretical foundations for the PLM as well as the functioning of the PLM interface. A pre-test involving selecting the best image from a video sequence depicting spinal sonoanatomy will be administered to all participants. Participants will then be randomized into two groups and exposed to video sequences in the same manner as during the pre-test, with immediate feedback in the intervention group and no feedback in the control group. The video sequences presented will be the same between the two groups. Finally, a post-test will be administered immediately and remotely after exposure to the PLM. The time window corresponding to the best image will be predefined by an expert and compared to the resident\'s value. The difference in feedback exposure between the two groups will not be revealed to limit biases.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Perceptual Learning Module, Directed Perceptual Learning Module, Spinal Sonoanatomy Learning Module?

Research shows that interactive e-learning modules can significantly improve medical students' clinical skills and knowledge, as seen in studies where students exposed to such modules scored higher in clinical examinations and reported increased self-efficacy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Perceptual Learning Module treatment different from other treatments for medical education?

The Perceptual Learning Module is unique because it uses computer-based methods to enhance pattern recognition and structural intuition, optimizing learning through adaptive technologies that tailor the experience to each individual. This approach is different from traditional methods as it systematically improves learning efficiency and mastery in medical education. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for residents in the medical field who are learning about spinal anesthesia. It's designed to see if a special training module helps them understand spinal ultrasound images better. People can join if they're currently being trained in this area.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must be a first, second, third, or fourth-year resident in the anesthesiology program at the Université de Montréal

Participants must not have experience in spinal ultrasound, defined as not having performed more than 5 spinal ultrasounds, whether accompanied or not

Participants must be familiar with ultrasound

Exclusion Criteria

Participants not meeting the inclusion criteria

I do not agree to participate in this study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pre-test and Tutorial

Participants complete a demographic questionnaire and are exposed to a tutorial explaining the theoretical foundations for the PLM, followed by a pre-test involving selecting the best image from a video sequence depicting spinal sonoanatomy.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants are randomized into two groups and exposed to video sequences with immediate feedback in the intervention group and no feedback in the control group.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Post-test

A post-test is administered immediately and remotely after exposure to the PLM to evaluate the impact of the intervention.

1 day

1 visit (remote)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention of skills and knowledge gained from the PLM.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Perceptual Learning Module

Trial Overview The study tests a perceptual learning module (PLM) that teaches how to pick the best spinal sonoanatomy image from a video sequence. Participants will be split into two groups: one gets immediate feedback using PLM, and the other doesn't.

Participant Groups

Group I: Feedback group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive feedback upon completion of the task.

Group II: Control group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

This group will not receive any feedback

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

102

Recruited

38,300+

Findings from Research

An e-learning module developed for medical students significantly improved their clinical skills in evaluating chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults, with Group 2 (exposed to the module) scoring an average of 79.5 compared to 62.0 for Group 1 (not exposed).

The module led to a higher pass rate in clinical evaluations, with 96.3% of students who used the module passing compared to only 60.7% of those who did not, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing pain management education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

E-learning module on chronic low back pain in older adults: evidence of effect on medical student objective structured clinical examination performance. Weiner, DK., Morone, NE., Spallek, H., et al.[2022]

The study involved 61 physical therapy students and found that a computer-aided instruction module significantly improved neuroanatomy/physiology knowledge in students without prior neuroanatomy coursework (University-1), while those with prior coursework (University-2) showed no significant improvement.

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in clinical examination scores after using the learning module, indicating its effectiveness in enhancing practical skills regardless of prior knowledge.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a computer-aided neuroanatomy program for entry-level physical therapy students: anatomy and clinical examination of the dorsal column-medial lemniscal system. McKeough, DM., Mattern-Baxter, K., Barakatt, E.[2011]

A pilot study involving 43 medical students showed that training with the VIS-Ed program significantly increased their self-efficacy in diagnosing and treating cervical spine trauma (p < 0.001).

Students found the VIS-Ed program to be a positive and effective interactive educational tool, with increased self-efficacy linked to their expectations of the training session (p < 0.007).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot evaluation of an educational program that offers visualizations of cervical spine injuries: medical students' self-efficacy increases by training. Hedman, L., Fahlstedt, M., Schlickum, M., et al.[2022]

A computer-assisted instruction program significantly improved fourth-year medical students' knowledge about spinal cord injury, with posttest scores rising from an average of 6.65 to 7.36 out of 10 (P < 0.001).

The program received positive feedback from students regarding its applicability and usability, indicating high satisfaction with the learning experience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Spinal cord injury computer-assisted instruction for medical students. Campagnolo, DI., Stier, KT., Sanchez, W., et al.[2019]

Individual patient education for managing acute and subacute low back pain (LBP) showed moderate evidence of being more effective than placebo education in reducing pain and improving physical function, although the effects were not clinically significant.

The education was also found to improve short-term quality of life and reduce sick leave compared to noneducational interventions, suggesting that while the direct impact on pain may be minimal, patient education remains a valuable component of LBP management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual Patient Education for Managing Acute and/or Subacute Low Back Pain: Little Additional Benefit for Pain and Function Compared to Placebo. A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Piano, L., Ritorto, V., Vigna, I., et al.[2022]

Recent advancements in perceptual learning (PL) and adaptive learning technologies have the potential to significantly enhance medical education by improving skills like pattern recognition and diagnostic fluency.

The Adaptive Response-Time-based Sequencing (ARTS) system personalizes learning experiences based on individual performance, showing promise in medical contexts such as diagnosis and specialized fields like dermatology and radiology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptive and perceptual learning technologies in medical education and training. Kellman, PJ.[2022]

A new visuospatial trainer has been developed to help adult learners understand how ultrasound images relate to 3D anatomy, using a laser to project the ultrasound's field onto a porcine heart during dissection.

This training method enhances learners' visuospatial skills, which are crucial for performing ultrasound procedures effectively, potentially leading to improved proficiency in cardiac ultrasound and transthoracic echocardiography.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound Probe Visuospatial Trainer. McKenna, RT., Dove, JC., Ratzlaff, RA., et al.[2018]

The study presents a cost-effective method for creating customizable computer-assisted learning (CAL) tutorials that can be tailored to local academic needs and languages, addressing common limitations of existing commercial packages.

These multimedia learning modules (MLMs) include both theoretical lectures and interactive 3D laboratories, and are currently being implemented at the University of Brussels and the National University of Rwanda, enhancing students' access to scientific knowledge in osteology and joint kinematics.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of multimedia learning modules for teaching human anatomy: application to osteology and functional anatomy. Van Sint Jan, S., Crudele, M., Gashegu, J., et al.[2006]

A new independent, hands-on ultrasound learning curriculum was developed for medical students, consisting of eight self-guided modules that align with the anatomy curriculum, allowing for structured learning despite limitations in faculty availability.

This curriculum includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced components for each scan, providing clear instructions for image acquisition and interpretation, which enhances students' opportunities for self-directed learning in ultrasound.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ITSUS: Integrated, Tiered, Self-Directed Ultrasound Scanning for Learning Anatomy. Boulger, C., Prats, M., Niku, A., et al.[2021]

A self-guided ultrasound activity for first-year medical students successfully taught them to perform floor of mouth scans, with 73% accurately labeling the anatomy within a three-minute time limit.

Students scored an average of 93% on a quiz about the anatomical relationships, indicating high efficacy of the active learning approach, and they expressed strong interest in similar future activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active Learning of the Floor of Mouth Anatomy with Ultrasound. Bell, FE., Neuffer, FH., Haddad, TR., et al.[2019]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

E-learning module on chronic low back pain in older adults: evidence of effect on medical student objective structured clinical examination performance. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a computer-aided neuroanatomy program for entry-level physical therapy students: anatomy and clinical examination of the dorsal column-medial lemniscal system. [2011]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A pilot evaluation of an educational program that offers visualizations of cervical spine injuries: medical students' self-efficacy increases by training. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Spinal cord injury computer-assisted instruction for medical students. [2019]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual Patient Education for Managing Acute and/or Subacute Low Back Pain: Little Additional Benefit for Pain and Function Compared to Placebo. A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptive and perceptual learning technologies in medical education and training. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound Probe Visuospatial Trainer. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of multimedia learning modules for teaching human anatomy: application to osteology and functional anatomy. [2006]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ITSUS: Integrated, Tiered, Self-Directed Ultrasound Scanning for Learning Anatomy. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active Learning of the Floor of Mouth Anatomy with Ultrasound. [2019]