MedEd Deep Dive

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of moulage—the art of creating realistic wounds and injuries—for medical training. But here's the twist: we’re diving into low-cost alternatives for moulage, a method that can sometimes be expensive and time-consuming. We break down how affordable, DIY moulage materials can offer realistic, immersive learning experiences for medical students, and how they are being used in resource-constrained settings. We discuss the benefits, limitations, and innovative approaches to keeping medical education both engaging and budget-friendly. From tissue paper burns to 2D wound tattoos, join us as we explore how creativity is reshaping medical training.

Link to the publication: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202109.0150/v1

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the Teddy Bear Hospital, a medical role-playing initiative designed to reduce children's anxiety about healthcare. This deep dive into a study from the Institute of Learning uncovers how this playful approach has been successfully implemented across Europe and Asia. We break down the key benefits for children, including lower anxiety, better behavior during real medical visits, and improved health knowledge. Plus, we discuss the potential for expanding the program to support neurodivergent children and how future research might take the Teddy Bear Hospital to the next level using technology like EEGs to study the effects of play on the brain.

Link to the publication: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202107.0644/v1

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of escape rooms in medical education. From physical simulations to digital innovations, we explore how escape rooms are being used to teach clinical skills, foster teamwork, and boost critical thinking in future doctors and nurses. Join us as we break down the research behind escape rooms, look at different designs (linear, open, and multilinear), and discuss how they’re changing the way healthcare professionals learn. Plus, we explore the rise of digital escape rooms during the pandemic and their potential for the future.

Link to the publication: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202107.0644/v1

In this episode, we dive into research from the JMIR Medical Education journal that examines the effectiveness of peer learning in clinical skills development for undergraduate medical students. We explore how peer learning impacts clinical skills, student perceptions, and self-regulated learning, and discuss why peer support works best alongside expert guidance. Tune in to hear how a balanced approach to learning—combining faculty-led sessions with peer learning—can help future doctors master essential skills and think critically.

Link to the publication: https://mededu.jmir.org/2021/3/e25875

In this episode, we explore key insights from the GAME 2019 #FuturistForum findings, discussing how lifelong learning, technology, and a shift toward preventive care transform healthcare education and practice. We dive into the role of personalized medicine, the impact of AI as a "digital colleague," and the importance of a collaborative approach in shaping the future of healthcare. Join us as we discuss how these innovations change how doctors learn and patients engage with their health.

Link to the publication: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/21614083.2021.1984076

In this episode, we explore a study investigating the impact of medical students creating their formative assessments. Using a mixed-methods approach, the researchers discovered that students valued this unique experience, which helped them understand course material more deeply while developing critical thinking and exam prep skills. We’ll discuss how this "assessment as learning" approach can transform medical education and how we approach studying and learning in any field.

Link to the publication: https://mededu.jmir.org/2022/3/e35820

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of serious games in health professions education, diving into a study that tracks trends in game-based learning from 1996 to 2018. We discuss how serious games transform healthcare training, making education more engaging, effective, and fun. Join us as we explore why these games outperform traditional teaching methods for short-term learning and what challenges still need to be addressed, including how to integrate affective learning and better utilize games for postgraduate nursing education.

Link to the publication: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0039-1677904 

In this episode, we explore a fascinating study that introduces a new framework to evaluate serious games, specifically those designed for medical education. The framework breaks down games into three clusters: User Experience (UX), Play, and Learning. We dive into how these markers were tested on three popular medical games—“Touch Surgery,” “Dr. Game, Surgeon Trouble,” and “Staying Alive”—and what the results tell us about serious games' effectiveness in engaging users and delivering educational value. Join us as we discuss what makes a game fun and a powerful learning tool.

Link to the publication: https://games.jmir.org/2019/3/e14620