Integrating TV medical dramas into problem-based learning for medical education: an exploratory pilot study comparing audiovisual and paper-based cases

Abstract

Introduction: Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational method in which the starting point is a problem being the most common format a written text; alternative formats such as audiovisuals remain underexplored. This exploratory pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and educational potential of using excerpts from medical TV series as audiovisual triggers in PBL sessions compared with traditional paper-based cases. Methods: Two groups of five medical students participated in this pilot study. Each group worked on two cases: one clinical case and one bioethical case. One case was presented in paper format and the other in audiovisual format, an edited excerpt from the medical series House. Knowledge tests and exploratory self-perception questionnaires were administered before the first PBL session, immediately after the second session, and six months later. The study primarily aimed to explore patterns of learning, feasibility, and student perceptions rather than comparative effectiveness. Results: In the clinical case, both formats were associated with increases in knowledge scores immediately after the sessions, although these improvements decreased at six months. In the bioethical case, patterns of change differed between groups and formats, likely influenced by baseline group differences and topic characteristics. Students reported high levels of perceived learning and engagement with both formats. At six months, a trend toward higher perceived usefulness of the audiovisual format was observed. Students also identified practical challenges associated with audiovisual triggers, particularly difficulty revisiting information and the perceived length of video segments. Conclusion: This exploratory pilot study suggests that audiovisual triggers based on medical TV series may represent a feasible and acceptable alternative to traditional paper-based cases in PBL settings.