Case Cards: A Novel Learner-Centered Initiative to Improve Resident Education in the Pediatric Emergency Room

Abstract

Introduction: The pediatric emergency department (PED) provides a wealth of learning opportunities for residents. However, delivering dedicated education can be a significant challenge due to considerable variability in day-to-day schedules, volume, cases, time, and resource availability. Case-based and learnercentered teaching models are well suited for ambulatory settings like the emergency department. Using the Kern model, we designed an educational intervention titled "Case Cards" to facilitate active learning conversations in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). Our goal was to improve clinical teaching in the PED to demonstrate self-reported satisfaction, knowledge acquisition, confidence, and commitment among residents rotating in this fast-paced, challenging clinical environment.Methods: After general and targeted needs assessments, we developed a compendium of 30 high-yield case cards to facilitate case-based learning conversations between learners and preceptors. Case topics mirror the American Board of Pediatrics Content Outline of Emergent Conditions. The "Learner Card" presents a PEM case for the learner to read and hold, while the "Teacher Card" contains evidence-based teaching prompts following established learner-centered clinical teaching models to guide and facilitate the case. Postimplementation surveys queried Kirkpatrick New World educational outcomes in a retrospective format.Results: We collected data from 24 pediatric and emergency medicine residents between July 2021 and January 2022. All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that case cards are enjoyable, educational, applicable to clinical practice, enhanced confidence, and would be recommended to others. Conclusion:Case cards for learner-centered teaching in the pediatric emergency setting are well-received and demonstrate resident self-reported satisfaction, knowledge, and confidence in core PEM conditions. Having established and readily available teaching topics, such as case cards, can enhance the clinical experience in the PED and other challenging settings and augment clinical exposure to core content. Educators may wish to expand and explore evolving technologies to facilitate learner-centered clinical teaching.