Improving learning experience through implementing standardized team-based learning process in undergraduate medical education

Introduction: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a highly structured active learning methodology shown to have positive learning outcomes in undergraduate medical education (UME). While many medical schools have increasingly adopted TBL, there is considerable variation reported in the literature in the implementation of the standard sequence and key components of TBL. The extent to which this variation affects the benefits of TBL is not well understood. This study aims to assess the impact of implementing the standardized framework of the TBL process on student perception of the benefits of TBL. Methods: Faculty at our institute were surveyed to determine the frequency of implementation of TBL standards, as described in the literature. Second-year osteopathic medical students (OMS II) were surveyed for their perception of the experience of TBL at the beginning of the academic year. Curricular interventions targeting the enforcement of the standard steps and key components of TBL were implemented in a particular 6-week system course. The students were re-surveyed at the end of the course. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed on quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Twenty four of 31 (77.4%) faculty participated in the faculty survey, 53 of 105 OMS II students (50.4%) participated in the pre-intervention survey, and 72 of 104 OMS II students (69.2%) participated in the post-intervention survey. Faculty survey results indicated inconsistent implementation of key steps and components of the TBL process. Comparisons of student pre- and post-survey means of the perceived value of various aspects of TBL showed significant improvement in multiple aspects of the TBL process, including readiness assurance tests, immediate feedback, and application activities. Both before and after the intervention, students highly rated the value of teamwork and opportunities for practical application of concepts within TBL. Conclusion: While medical students value teamwork in UME and professional development, their perception of TBL can be less than positive if not conducted deliberatively. Assessment of the implementation of the standard TBL steps and components and development of corresponding targeted interventions may improve the TBL experience of medical students. Our process could be generalized to help educators interested in improving TBL in their home institutes.