Binge-Eating Disorder: An Interactive Self-Learning Module

INTRODUCTION: This resource is a web-based and self-contained self-learning module (SLM) on binge-eating disorder (BED) that runs utilizing Articulate software. Certain skills and knowledge are required to both interview and manage patients diagnosed with the disorder. Because BED may be encountered by medical students, this module can help inform the learning process. METHODS: Software was utilized to develop an SLM for third-year medical students utilizing video clips demonstrating the evolution of a clinical BED case from presentation to follow-up over 10–12 weeks. The focus is on differential diagnosis and management, with intermittent self-assessment quizzes and other evidence-based literature for further study. The module follows the case of Ms. Melanie May, who has been referred for help to lose weight. Further assessment reveals that she has BED. By having her needs therapeutically attended to, she receives help through focused cognitive behavioral therapy, the use of food log monitoring, and medications. RESULTS: This SLM on BED has been implemented at the University of Toronto as an optional component of the psychiatry clerkship over the 2015/2016 academic year. Written and verbal feedback from faculty (n = 5) and students (n = 5) has been overwhelmingly positive. DISCUSSION: This SLM is intended as a clinical application exercise for third-year medical students who may not encounter patients with BED or who want to increase their clinical understanding of how to help patients who present with obesity and binge-eating complaints.