Context / probleemstelling of aanleiding
Context/probleemstelling of aanleiding:
Background:
Evidence-based medicine is a core component of medical education worldwide and requires mastery of epidemiology and statistics among other disciplines. These two subjects are often perceived as difficult to teach and learn. Blended learning is a teaching methodology entailing a combination of e-learning and face-to-face class sessions that may facilitate the teaching of epidemiology and statistics. However, its effectiveness in producing desired learning outcomes relating to these two disciplines remains unclear. This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of blended learning interventions in epidemiology and statistics assessed through the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired by medical students.
Beschrijving van de interventie/innovatie:
Methods:
Suitable articles will be identified through a comprehensive search of six databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ERIC, Academic Search Premier, and Web of Science. Eligible articles will report on randomized and non-randomized controlled trials or before-after studies to assess the effectiveness of blended learning interventions in the teaching of epidemiology and/or statistics. Accordingly, blended learning will be compared with other interventions directed at teaching epidemiology and/or statistics to medical students. Data will be collected on study characteristics, blended learning interventions, comparison interventions, and relevant outcomes. The risk of bias in individual studies will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (version 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions. Data synthesis will be performed through random-effects meta-analysis. In case of substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 50%), the reasons for the heterogeneity will be explored. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework will be used to assess the certainty of the body of evidence.
Ervaringen/analyse van de implementatie:
Not applicable.
Lessons learned (implicaties voor de praktijk):
Conclusions:
The results of this systematic review will provide educationists with inputs on optimal methods for improving medical students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes relating to epidemiology and statistics.
Referenties:
Not applicable.
