Application of “immersive contextualization based-learning teaching” mode in the orthopaedic musculoskeletal disorder module of clinical medicine education

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and influence of the “immersive contextualization-based learning” teaching mode (ICBLT) in the orthopaedic musculoskeletal disorder module of clinical medicine education. METHODS: Undergraduate students in five consecutive semesters of clinical medicine in West China Hospital, Sichuan University were enrolled in this study. During the teaching process in each semester, a cross-over design was applied, and students were randomly divided into two classes (Class A and Class B) to receive the designated experimental courses with different routes. After they took the final exams, the scores of the selected chapters (sports injury chapter and osteoarthritis chapter) were extracted to conduct Tests of Between-Subjects Effects. Q-Q plot was drawn to test whether the distribution of the scores follows normal distribution. The part of the feedback questionnaires to assess these two teaching modes were also extracted for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 441 students were enrolled in this study, among which, Class A teaching route was implemented to 222 students and Class B to the rest 219. The results of Tests of Between-Subjects Effects showed that ICBLT mode could lead to better scores compared to the Lecturing-based learning teaching (LBLT) mode (p < 0.0001). In terms of mastery of practical skills, help to deepen the memory of knowledge and satisfaction with the teaching mode, the ICBLT mode showed better results (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ICBLT mode had better potential in helping mastery of practical skills and deepening the memory of knowledge. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-023-04831-y.