E-learning influence on physical examination test performance of Junior Clerkship

Abstract

Background: For most Junior Clerkship MBBS students in the University of Hong Kong, they are directly involved in clinical environment for the first time. Physical examinations, as foundation skills remain key parts in Junior Clerkship Surgery Block. The Department of Surgery originated a series of 18 e-learning videos, demonstrating physical examinations and basic surgical procedures. Videos were uploaded on Clinical Skills Online Learning Platform in Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. These videos as blended resources are facilitating teachers demonstrating standardized clinical skills, as well as supporting students reviewing and practicing clinical skills. Students' physical examination skills were tested at the end of Surgery Block. Summary of Work: Research was implemented on influence of e-learning videos on Junior Clerkship students' physical examination tests performance. 205 Junior Clerkship students' online attendances were collected from the platform. Descriptive data measured students' e-learning participation performance. Physical examination tests were held at the end of Surgery Block and test result differences in high and low participation groups were compared by independent t-test. Summary of Results: Students' e-learning participation were much beyond expectation. The most popular video, Hernia Examination, attracted 79% students participation. Individual performance varies from none to fully participation. Students were evenly divided in two groups based on their participation difference; students viewed 10 out of 18 videos or less were in low participation group and those viewed 11 or more were in high participation group. Test result between these two groups was compared by independent ttest. Mean scores of physical examination results had significant difference between low participation group 2.959 and high participation group 3.129 (p=0.038). Discussion and Conclusions: Junior Clerkship students physical examination test result can be significantly influenced by their e-learning participation performance. The physical examination test result of students viewed more videos are higher than those viewed less videos. Take-home Messages: This study highlighted that e-learning providing students an effective learning approach. Future studies of e-learning influence in other groups of students are required.