A study titled “Patients as teachers: a within-subjects randomized pilot experiment of patient-led online learning modules for health professionals” was published on BMC Education on May 10, 2024.
Medical education programs are increasingly including presentations by individuals with lived experiences. The authors of the article say that relying on a limited number of speakers may not fully represent the diverse experiences of patients. Additionally, logistical issues such as public health restrictions or travel difficulties can limit in-person presentations. To address these challenges, they suggest that education programs could benefit from online patient-led presentations featuring a diverse range of speakers. This study aimed to assess whether online learning modules led by patients about diabetes care would influence learners’ responses to clinical scenarios and gather feedback on these modules.
The study involved 26 third-year medical students at the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada. The intervention consisted of patient-led online learning modules incorporating segments of narratives from 21 patients describing why and how clinicians could provide patient-centered care. The students’ overall percentage of passing scores prior to the intervention was 66% and 76% following the intervention.
Our comment: Although the study focused on diabetes, its findings are broadly applicable to various diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. We totally agree that recorded videos can allow patients who, for whatever reason, are not able to travel or take part in person, to share their experience and insights. We also concur that incorporating perspectives from a diverse range of patients is vital. However, we also believe that an experienced representative from a patient association can effectively provide a comprehensive overview of the primary issues associated with a condition. He/she will be able to ensure that key insights and common challenges are communicated, offering valuable understanding, even in the absence of multiple individual patient experiences.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this comment are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent, or of the Alliance for Pulmonary Hypertension.
Citation
Ndjaboue, R., Beaudoin, C., Comeau, S. et al. Patients as teachers: a within-subjects randomized pilot experiment of patient-led online learning modules for health professionals. BMC Med Educ 24, 525 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05473-4
