Abstract
Background
Preclinical medical student learning in the microbiology laboratory traditionally focuses on enhancing understanding of microbiology but less on understanding clinical workflow. During a novel course that revisited foundational sciences during clerkships, we designed a virtual microbiology laboratory session to enhance understanding and familiarity with clinical workflow on testing of patient samples.
Methods
The virtual microbiology laboratory sessions were conducted twice in 2018, each including 80 third-year medical students. Clinical cases were used to build upon foundational knowledge. We live-streamed video and audio content from the clinical microbiology laboratory to a remote classroom via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. We conducted the session as a tour and lively interview with microbiology staff who explained the processing as well as diagnostic testing Methods. Students were able to ask questions. To evaluate the sessions we (1) distributed a quantitative survey using a 5-point Likert scale (5 = strongly agree) and (2) conducted focus groups with learners. Qualitative data were analyzed using open and axial coding.
Results
In a questionnaire administered to 160 students, 74% of respondents agreed that the technical aspects and faculty in the session provided the feeling on a “hands-on” tour. Of the respondents, 58% reported that they would be more likely to contact the microbiology laboratory team for help in ordering or interpreting various laboratory tests. In focus groups, learner reflections reinforced the ability of this format to ensure standardization with each student getting to clearly see the demonstration and hear instructor perspectives. Students also appreciated the linear approach of following a specimen from arrival to the laboratory, a better understanding of the laboratory staff and their roles in performing and interpreting laboratory tests. The live feed could be enhanced further by better audio and video synchronization and by reducing ambient noise.
Conclusion
Videoconferencing with the clinical microbiology laboratory can be used to effectively teach microbiology and infectious diseases content to advanced medical students. Whether this exposure to the microbiology laboratory can enhance patient care outcomes requires further study.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
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