A Gram Stain Hands-On Workshop Enhances First Year Medical Students' Technique Competency in Comprehension and Memorization

Abstract

BackgroundLaboratory diagnostic tests have an essential role in patient care, and the increasing number of medical and health professions schools focusing on teaching laboratory medicine to pre-clinical students reflects this importance. However, data validating the pedagogical methods that best influence students’ comprehension and interpretation of diagnostic tests have not been well described. The Gram stain is a simple yet significant and frequently used diagnostic test in the clinical setting that helps classify bacteria into two major groups, Gram positive and negative, based on their cell wall structure.Methods and FindingsWe used this technique to assess which educational strategies may improve students’ learning and competency in medical diagnostic techniques. Hence, in this randomized controlled study, we compared the effectiveness of several educational strategies (e.g. workshop, discussion, or lecture) in first year medical students’ competency in comprehension and interpretation of the Gram stain procedure. We demonstrated that a hands-on practical workshop significantly enhances students’ competency in memorization and overall comprehension of the technique. Interestingly, most students irrespective of their cohort showed difficulty in answering Gram stain-related analytical questions, suggesting that more emphasis should be allocated by the instructors to clearly explain the interpretation of the diagnostic test results to students in medical and health professional schools.ConclusionThis proof of principle study highlights the need of practical experiences on laboratory medical techniques during pre-clinical training to facilitate future medical doctors’ and healthcare professionals’ basic understanding and competency in diagnostic testing for better patient care.

Risk factors for multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria infection in intensive care units: A meta‐analysis

“…According to the results of Gram staining, bacteria can be classified into 2 categories: Gram‐positive G+ and Gram‐negative G−(Delfiner, Martinez, & Pavia, ). Hospital‐acquired infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) are increasingly seen (Ivády et al, ).…”

Diagnostic performance of microscopic stool examination in Campylobacter infection performed by different medical specialties

“…The competency for microscopic examinations can be enhanced through lectures, group discussions, and hands‐on workshops. Among them, hands‐on workshops showed the highest education effect 21 . Our study also indicated that the experience acquired by performing microscopic examinations contributed to improving its sensitivity.…”

“…Among them, hands-on workshops showed the highest education effect. 21 Our study also indicated that the experience acquired by performing microscopic examinations contributed to improving its sensitivity. Besides, an appropriate feedback increases the efficacy of the educational process.…”

Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Gram Stains in Obstructive Pyelonephritis due to Ureteral Stones

“…Although there are facilities with established feedback systems for PCGS in other research, there is no standardized educational program for PCGS in Japanese teaching hospitals [ 10 ]. However, it is reported that practical hands-on training, including workshops, can improve the accuracy of Gram stain interpretation [ 24 ]. Therefore, the educational progress of Gram stains, along with recognizing prevalent diagnostic errors and characteristics, could make PCGS a reliable diagnostic tool even for obstructive pyelonephritis.…”