Team-Based Learning Is Effective in Teaching Appropriate Utilization of Hemostasis Laboratory Tests Using Storyline Case-Authoring Software

INTRODUCTION: Team-based learning (TBL) is an effective way to teach medical students a challenging topic: coagulation. This TBL requires students to discuss a differential diagnosis, order and analyze laboratory tests, and decide upon appropriate treatment. METHODS: The coagulation TBL was utilized in a hematology/oncology system-based medical course. The TBL began with Individual and Group Readiness Assurance Tests (IRAT and GRAT, respectively) consisting of the same 10 multiple-choice questions. Next came a team application activity with the goal of evaluating a bleeding patient. Each team was given the clinical case and a whiteboard. Each team recorded a differential diagnosis and chose relevant laboratory tests from 20 hematology/coagulation assays placed in case-authoring software. Next, teams recorded the laboratory results, final diagnosis, and treatment on the whiteboards. Teams then voted for the best whiteboard. After discussing the highly voted whiteboard, instructors provided case discussion and elaboration about all 20 laboratory tests and their interpretation. RESULTS: The IRAT average score was 77.0% compared to the GRAT group average of 99.5% for the year 2016–2017. Instructors noted great enthusiasm and teamwork. Institutional module evaluation feedback results showed that students were pleased and felt competent analyzing laboratory tests in a bleeding patient. DISCUSSION: TBL provides a powerful way of teaching students the clinical reasoning approach to a bleeding patient and the appropriate use of laboratory test ordering and analysis. It is enjoyable and interactive and teaches students how to narrow their differential diagnosis by effective laboratory utilization.