[Case-based learning can improve the teaching quality in trauma surgery education : A survey analysis among medical students].

Background: Medical education has always been challenging for students and teachers. Of growing importance is the promotion of knowledge of correlations and knowledge transfer from theoretical aspects into clinical practice. In order to achieve this aim, student-centered teaching concepts are increasingly being employed in the literature.

Objective: Can a trauma surgery practical seminar be improved by a case-based teaching concept?

Material and methods: For this purpose, standardized case studies and corresponding teaching materials, such as classification aids and treatment strategies, were made available to the students and lecturers. Using a two-staged evaluation the effects of the modified teaching design could be recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: The seminar was considered to be relevant for the examinations. The teaching by the lecturers was found to be more competent and appeared more motivated. Overall, the seminar was rated better by the students.

Conclusion: A case-based teaching concept can significantly improve the education in trauma surgery, when correctly and specifically implemented.