Obesity, Diet, and Exercise Education for the Primary Care Clerkship Using an Articulate Storyline 2 e-Learning Module

INTRODUCTION: Despite high obesity rates nationwide, many medical schools provide insufficient nutrition education. It has been difficult to deliver nutrition education in the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons primary care clerkship given its numerous clinical sites offering varied expertise. We supplemented the clerkship curriculum with an interactive e-learning module designed to provide medical students with knowledge and skills in nutrition and weight management, as well as an understanding of registered dietitians’ role. The module was created using Articulate Storyline 2 software and emphasizes active learning and simulated clinical decision-making. METHODS: Learning objectives and a curriculum were developed based on a literature review, a student focus group, and the guidance of a multidisciplinary committee. The module integrates narrated content with interactive exercises and utilizes multiple teaching styles. Participants were third-year medical students in the primary care clerkship during January-May 2016 (n = 64). Students completed a web-based evaluation survey after the module. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of students completed the module in 2 hours or less. Ninety-seven percent agreed that the module was easy to navigate, and 93% agreed that it contributed to their understanding of the topic. Qualitatively, students generally responded positively to the module's active learning component and its use of multiple teaching styles. DISCUSSION: This web-based interactive learning module is an accessible tool that allows educators to simultaneously deliver information and target clinical reasoning skills. Active learning facilitates students’ engagement with the content. This module is easily adaptable for other learners, including physicians and patients, and other areas of the curriculum.