Application of Integrative Lecturing to Basic Medicine Courses for Undergraduate Health Allied Sciences Students

Purpose: In spite of the rapidly expanding importance of the basic sciences, the number of professors teaching basic sciences in medicine has not changed in the last decade. Thus, the need for new methods of teaching and learning has increased. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess integrative lecturing in the basic sciences for undergraduate allied health sciences students. Methods: We developed an alternate form of lecturing in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology, focusing on the gastrointestinal system. We tested several teaching strategies including E-learning, face-to-face, and practice. Students majoring in nursing (n=43), sports science (n=26), and emergency medical technology (n=35) participated and were asked to complete an anonymous survey. Results: The majority of the students were satisfied with the new lecture style (86.6%). They preferred integrative lectures to traditional lectures. The degree of satisfaction with E-learning and practice were much higher than with face-to-face. Most of the students identified the knowledge of interdisciplinary relationship and participating in cadaveric dissections as the important effects of this lecture style. Conclusion: From this study, it can be suggested that integrative lecturing in basic sciences for public health- / medicine- related courses is effective in teaching and learning. Further studies for the development of integrative contents and system are needed.