Using Gagné’s “Instructional Design” to teach clinically applicable knowledge in small groups

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia trainees are expected to perform tasks under non-direct supervision as soon as possible in their clinical training. Often they rely on only superficial rote learning, which might lead to medical errors. We have developed a lesson plan that is based on this educational need using Gagné’s Instructional Design for the example of teaching the complex preoperative management of diabetic patients. Our aim was to use Gagne’s approach successfully for the teaching of non-procedural skills. METHODS: We implemented a comprehensive lesson plan that was developed on the example of a clinical pattern – the preoperative assessment of diabetic patients - using Gagné’s systematic nine-step model of instruction design. After the lesson, we analysed the trainees’ opinions with the use of a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Nine trainees with 2.1 ± 0.8 years of anesthesia experience attended the lesson. The assessment of knowledge revealed in 82% the correct answers to the treatment options, and the residents’ overall view on the lecture concept were 4.8 ± 0.3 for lecture concept and realization and 4.7 ± 0.5 regarding motivation, participation and climate. CONCLUSIONS: Applying Gagné’s Instructional Design model guides seems to effectively guide the development of a comprehensive lesson plan to teach non-procedural skills in a small group setting.