Immunology knowledge as one of the basic sciences that forms the foundations to developing sound clinicians

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to (1) generate a valid questionnaire to determine immunology knowledge, (2) compare immunology knowledge across 3 different cohorts of chiropractic students that had already studied immunology, (3) examine the attitudes of chiropractic students to the study of immunology, and (4) examine whether students' attitudes affected their knowledge levels. Methods: Factor analysis was used to refine an immunology knowledge and perceptions questionnaire that was generated by a group of experts that was then completed by 90 students. Immunology knowledge level of each of the cohorts was compared using a 1-way analysis of variance. Kappa statistics were used to measure agreement between 2 statements, and logistic regression was used to determine whether students' attitudes were associated with their knowledge levels. Results: There was a significant difference in the immunology knowledge levels across the 3 year groups (F[2, 87] ¼ 4.78, p ¼ .011). Fifth-year students (n ¼ 26) demonstrated 25% less immunology knowledge than third-year students (n ¼ 35; p ¼ .005). Of 90 students, 64 agreed that immunology knowledge was important to chiropractors, and 53 agreed that immunology knowledge was important for the average person. No relationship existed between their value of immunology knowledge and their score on the multiple-choice questions. Conclusion: Third-year students' immunology knowledge was significantly higher than that of the fifth-year students. Students value immunology knowledge, but this does not translate to retention of this knowledge. The validated questionnaire is a useful tool for assessing immunology knowledge retention for undergraduate students. INTRODUCTIONThe Council on Chiropractic Education Australasia requires chiropractic students to meet minimum competencies to achieve accreditation. Basic science knowledge must be of sufficient depth and scope for graduates to apply advances in health care to clinical practice 1 Basic science instruction in chiropractic education ''must ensure an in-depth understanding. of basic biological principles, consisting of a core of information on the fundamental structures, functions and interrelationships of the body systems.''1 The basic sciences include anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, neurology, microbiology, histology, embryology, pathology, biophysics, molecular and cell biology, genetics, immunology, and other appropriate subjects. In-depth information on abnormal biological conditions must be provided to support a high level of understanding of the etiology, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention, treatment, and prognosis of conditions relevant to primary health care practice.There have been positive changes regarding the role of basic science research within the chiropractic profession since the 1990s.2 The importance of the basic sciences for novice and very experienced clinicians has been demonstrated, particularly for clinical problem solving.3,4 Understanding based on the basic sciences enhances ...

A Perceptions Assessment of Patient-Oriented Problem-Solving Teaching Strategy for Medical Immunology Course in Chinese Students

“…Physicians of the future must understand the scientific basis of clinical medicine and be able to apply that understanding to the practice of medicine (IIME, 2002;Shaohua, Daixin & Man, 2014). Medical immunology is one of the basic medical sciences that forms the foundation for developing reliable clinicians (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016). Immunol- (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016).…”

“…Medical immunology is one of the basic medical sciences that forms the foundation for developing reliable clinicians (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016). Immunol- (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016). Immunol- (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016).…”

“…Immunol- (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016). Immunol- (Armson, Meyer, Losco, Ardakani & Walker 2016). Immunol-& Walker 2016).…”