Modified use of team-based learning in a general surgery course for fourth-year medical students

Team Based Learning (TBL) is a form of education based on student-centered learning in a crowded community consisting of small groups under the guidance of an expert trainer. Acute pancreatitis and fluid electrolyte disorders are important and difficult subjects of general surgery. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the success rates of team-based learning in undergraduate general surgery education. This prospective study study was performed in Kocaeli University School of Medicine, General Surgery courses. TBL study was applied for acute pancreatitis and fluid&electrolyte balance lessons. Readiness assurance and application oriented activities were done in each lesson. Readiness assurance quesitons were prepared for discussing and understanding the pathophysiology. After discussing tthe questions, each group tried to solve a patient oriented case. At the end of the course, a two-part questionnaire were applied to all students in order to take the feedbacksTotal 150 students from three courses included to the study. The vast majority of the students (130 people 86.6%) thought that the TBL study was better than the didactic lecture. And student wanted to Average score in all groups in TBL exam was 84.8. TBL study achieved high acceptance by the students. Although a new method, they adopted easily. General surgery subjects are suitable for this type of education model.