Effectiveness of multiple teaching methods in standardized training of internal medicine residents in China: a network meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective Standardized training for resident physicians in China has been carried out for 10 years, and various new teaching methods have been widely applied in it. The quality of internal medicine teaching is directly related to whether the trainees can master the corresponding clinical skills well and become qualified clinical physicians. The purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of all teaching methods in Chinese standardized training of internal medicine residents. Methods This study was registered in Inplasy. A comprehensive search of databases, including English and Chinese, was conducted from inception to 30 July 2023. Eligible studies included cohort study and randomized controlled trials (RCT) of all teaching methods in Chinese standardized training of internal medicine residents. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using STATA 16.0. Statistical analysis was done using the mean and standard deviation. The literature quality and risks of bias was assessed using RevMan 5.3. Results A total of 74 articles including 5004 Chinese participants were retrieved, involving 13 interventions, of which 65 were RCT and 9 were cohort studies. This study found that the problem-based learning(PBL) + Wechat may be the best choice for improving students' academic performance, practical performance and reducing the number of dissatisfied individuals. The case-based learning(CBL) + Wechat has the most advantages in improving students' theoretical performance and reducing the number of dissatisfied individuals. The PBL + CBL may better improve students' self-learning ability and reduce the number of dissatisfied individuals. Conclusion New teaching methods represented by PBL + Wechat, CBL + Wechat, PBL + CBL are more effective in improving the academic performance of Chinese resident physicians in standardized training compared to control therapy, and have gained more recognition from students.