Simulation Based Learning and Academic Performance in Medical School

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Academic Performance
• Interventions: Other: Simulation based learning

• Registration Number: NCT04864756
• Lead Sponsor: Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Brief Summary

The investigators will use a multi-methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the quantitative methodology, the investigators will use a before and after approach to compare medical student grades/scores before and after the integration of Simulation based learning (SBL) in the curriculum. The hypothesis is that SBL will generally increase knowledge and skills and hence improve the scores from the theory (MCQ) and clinical (OSCE) examinations conducted outside simulated settings in the clinical departments.

Detailed Description

Simulation faculty development will be measured by retention and engagement in simulation sessions. The investigators will use survival analysis methods and plot Kaplan Meier curves to calculate probability of retention and determine the factors that are associated with retention as derived from participant in-depth interviews and departmental meetings. A faculty member will be considered disengaged if they do not participate in simulation session for at least 6 months post training, despite reminders and opportunities for participation. Reasons for potential disengagement will be explored qualitatively.

In the qualitative approach, the investigators will conduct in-depth key informant interviews (45 minutes to 1 hour) with administrators at the institution, namely Academic Registrar, Deans of Medical School, heads of Departments and Simulation facilitators (the post-graduate student trainers). The investigators will conduct focus group discussions (1 hour) with postgraduate simulation facilitators, the medical and nursing students before, during and after their enrollment in SBL. The interviews and focus group discussions will be audio-recorded and transcribed.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-06-01
• Status Verified: 2021-04
• Study First Submitted: 2021-04-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-04-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-04-25
• Study First Posted: 2021-04-29
• Last Update Posted: 2021-04-29
• Primary Completion: 2021-12-30
• Study Completion: 2022-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 400

Inclusion Criteria

• Medical (Medicine and Nursing) students
• Enrolled in the Faculty of medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology
• Currently attending clinical years

Exclusion Criteria

• Non clinical student years in the Faculty of Medicine
• not enrolled in Medicine or Nursing programs at Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Before/After	Simulation based learning	Grade performance before and after introduction of simulation based learning

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Academic performance	36 months after introduction of simulation based techniques	Change in CGPA scores Before and after introduction of simulation based techniques

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Retention of academic faculty	2 years after initiation of simulation based learning	Percentage of faculty retained in the training program

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Mbarara University of Science and Technology; 🇺🇬 Mbarara, Uganda