Abstract

The traditional lecture-based medical education is difficult to apply in undergraduate ophthalmology because of the limited I-week attachment period and the very different nature of the subject compared with other core specialties (e.g. internal medicine). Exposure to suitable and relevant cases are not ensured. Currently, 16 standard case scenarios are taught semi-passively in a "case tutorial" class (the teacher will go through the cases and questions are usually answered by a few active medical students). There is a need to engage all the students to participate actively in the case discussion.

Our proposal will combine the concept of flipped classroom and hands-on practice by 1) pre-class gamified e-learning materials; 2) in-class problem-based learning (PBL, digitalised clinical cases with relevant clinical photos and animations, guided by the teacher); and 3) after-class social community work. Base on the e-learning materials, students can revisit and apply the knowledge through several case scenarios during the PBL session. The students and the teacher will work as a team to go through these cases and solve the clinical problems. Key points will be emphasised by the teacher. In-depth discussion and revision of the relevant clinical skills will also be possible. Interested students can join the after-class community service (cooperating with the Medical Outreachers Hong Kong [MOHK]), to serve the society and to practice ophthalmologic examination skill under supervision. This combination can achieve 1) fun learning, repetition and application of the core knowledge; 2) enhancement of student-teacher interaction; 3) motivating self-learning and enhancing learner's autonomy; and 4) application of knowledge and skill to serve the society. The effectiveness of the project will be measured by student scores in post-course assessment, Likert scale questionnaires, and qualitative-translational impact assessment. The teaching concept and learning model will be disseminated through conferences, workshops, publications, and media. We aim to promote this concept and model to other university departments and local educational institutions of all levels.