Flipped classroom-based application of Peyton's four-step approach in standardized training of ultrasound residents for thyroid and cervical lymph node zoning

PeerJ. 2024 Dec 18:12:e18633. doi: 10.7717/peerj.18633. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: To investigate whether combining the flipped classroom approach with Peyton's four-step method can enhance teaching effectiveness in ultrasound (US) zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes for standardized residency training.

Methods: A total of 66 resident training students were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group received traditional teaching methods, including "see one, do one" learning, lecture-based learning (LBL), and case-based learning (CBL). The observation group was taught using Peyton's four-step teaching method, the flipped classroom approach, and CBL. Assessments were conducted through skill operation and clinical case analysis. A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate student satisfaction. Assessment scores and questionnaire ratings between the two teaching methods were compared.

Results: 1) Assessment results demonstrated higher scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for the observation group compared to the control group [(87.64 ± 3.72) vs. (80.48 ± 5.92) points, (87.94 ± 4.46) vs. (82.85 ± 4.24) points]. 2) The questionnaire survey indicated that resident trainees taught using Peyton's four-step method showed greater improvement in learning interest [(4.61 ± 0.57) vs. (3.70 ± 0.85) points] and experienced reduced exam pressure compared to the control group [(4.52 ± 0.62) vs. (3.21 ± 0.70) points]. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Peyton's four-step approach combined with the flipped classroom method improved resident training students' scores in skill operation and clinical case analysis for ultrasound zoning of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes. It also stimulated learning interest and alleviated exam pressure, making it an effective teaching method for enhancing standardized US training outcomes in resident education.

Keywords: Medical education; Teaching method; Thyroid; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Educational Measurement
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Lymph Nodes* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Problem-Based Learning / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thyroid Gland* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography* / methods

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the university research project of Anhui province, major project (Grant number 2023AH040373); the Anhui Province clinical medical research transformation project (Grant number 202304295107020016); and the Anhui medical university quality engineering project, clinical teaching case resource construction project (Grant number 2024xjxm46). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.