From Medley to Magnificence: Developing Problem Solving Skills in Biochemistry

Abstract

Background: Medical students need problem-solving skills because these are crucial in diagnosing cases in the future. This study aimed to improve medical students’ problemsolving abilities through analysis, reasoning, and application. Methods: A four-month prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at MNR Medical College and Hospital (March to June 2021). Six case scenarios were developed and created in PowerPoint. Each scenario was broken down into the following sections: title, history, clinical findings, investigations, and treatment. The slides were arranged randomly to produce a medley which was then shown to the students. They were tasked with sorting the slides and diagnosing each case. Student responses were gathered using a Google Forms questionnaire. Results: The number of participants who completed the activity within the stipulated time was 132. The majority of students (85%) scored over 80% in the activity. The activity was interesting (63.6%), promoted active learning (65.2%), helped students correlate the different aspects of the case scenario and make a diagnosis (69.7%), helped build problembased skills, and activated prior knowledge (71.2%), improved clinical orientation to the curriculum (65.2%), exposed students to aspects of the diseases not dealt with in the classroom (40.9%), students felt such an activity should be required of future students (68.2%). Conclusion: This novel learning method of integrating case scenarios using a digital platform provided multiple opportunities for testing and developing skills necessary for clinical practice. The fact that the activity was well received by students strengthens the argument to create additional activities of this type that may be applied to any topic.