Challenges and strategies in developing team-based learning in Chinese medical education

Abstract

Introduction

Team-based learning (TBL) is gradually being integrated into Chinese medical education. This study reports its current application status in Chinese medical schools, as well as the underlying challenges and strategies to improve TBL application.

Method

We screened publication databases and surveys to investigate TBL usage and concerns regarding TBL application by Chinese medical educators. Articles published by 79 Chinese medical schools include 163 articles among 20 topic areas of basic medicine and 226 articles among 16 clerkship disciplines. The opinions of 123 Chinese medical teachers were solicited from 46 medical schools in 26 provinces/municipalities.

Results

Approximately less than half of Chinese medical schools used TBL in basic medicine or clerkship disciplines. Among these, only 10% of schools reported TBL usage in both clerkship disciplines and basic medicine. Both quantitative and qualitative results revealed that public awareness of TBL, executive support, professional training, sharing of resources and integration of multiple disciplines are critical factors in facilitating TBL application, and in recruiting and developing TBL teachers.

Conclusion

TBL application in Chinese medical education is limited. Executive/financial support and establishment of a platform to provide technical support, share resources and regulate TBL practice quality will facilitate TBL application in Chinese medical education.

Keywords:

• Team-based learning
• student-centered education
• medical education
• staff development

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the first batch of teaching reform research projects in the 13th Five-Year Plan of higher education in Zhejiang province in 2018 (Grant no. jg20180007). Authors would like to thank Ms An Ping Sun for establishing the questionnaire, as well as thank Ms Zhe Song, Dr Hang Xiang Sun, and Dr Can Long Wang for data acquisition.

Disclosure statement

The authors hereby declare no competing interests and confirm adherence to the standards of the Declaration of Helsinki where applicable.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hua Liu

Hua Liu, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. She obtained her MD from Hunan Medical University, China, and PhD from National University of Singapore. She is a TBL Collaborative certified TBL practitioner.

Xu Feng Mi

Xu Feng Mi, MSc, is an Associate Director of Center of Faculty Development, Undergraduate School, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Province, China. He obtained his MSc of Public Health Management from Zhejiang University.

Zi Zhan Huang

Zi Zhan Huang, MD, is an Orthopedic Resident at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. He received his MD from Zhejiang University.

Boon Chin Heng

Boon Chin Heng, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Peking University, School of Stomatology, and an Adjunct Professor at Sunway University, Malaysia. He obtained his PhD from the University of Manchester, UK.

Wei Liang Shen

Wei Liang Shen, MD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of Department of Sports Medicine and Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China. He obtained his MD from Zhejiang University.