# P-1917. Targeted Needs Assessment for a Web-Based Infectious Disease Learning Tool: Applying Kern’s Six-Step Approach

## TL;DR

Medical students at the University of Michigan lack preparation in applying infectious disease knowledge, so a web-based learning tool is being developed based on student feedback.

## Contribution

A needs assessment using Kern’s approach identified gaps in infectious disease education and informed the design of a student-centered web-based learning tool.

## Key findings

- Only 62% of students were satisfied with ID/Microbiology learning opportunities in the preclinical curriculum.
- 94% of students expressed interest in a web-based ID supplement to improve clinical readiness.
- MicroModules, an interactive tool, will be developed and evaluated for its impact on student learning and self-efficacy.

## Abstract

As medicine advances and preclinical learning phases are shortened, medical students face an increasingly information-dense curriculum. At the University of Michigan Medical School (UMMS) – where the preclinical curriculum is largely lecture-based and asynchronous over a 12 month period– local web-based resources have enhanced student engagement and knowledge retention in several content areas. However, no such learning resource exists for preclinical Infectious Disease (ID)/Microbiology. To fill this gap, we used Kern’s approach to curriculum development as part of the tool design process, starting with a targeted needs assessment.

Medical Students' Preferred TopicsFigure 1:Specific components students would included in a web-based ID/Microbiology co-curricular supplemental module.

Specific components students would included in a web-based ID/Microbiology co-curricular supplemental module.

We designed an anonymous survey with Likert-scale items to assess student satisfaction with, preparedness for clinical application of, and interest in supplemental resources for the ID/Microbiology content. Students were also asked to choose preferred features for an online learning tool.

Fifty-three medical students in the 2nd through 4th years responded (10% response rate). Only 62% of students reported being at least partially satisfied with opportunities to apply their ID knowledge in the pre-clinical curriculum. In terms of clinical readiness, 55% felt at least somewhat prepared to diagnose infections, while only 17% felt at least somewhat prepared to propose initial treatment plans for infections. Notably, 94% of respondents expressed interest in a web-based ID supplement, with their feedback informing specific components for inclusion in the proposed tool (Figure 1).

This needs assessment highlights significant gapsin students’ preparation to apply ID/Microbiology knowledge in a clinical context and affirms student interest in an interactive web-based tool to address this need. We have used Kern’s steps to design MicroModules, asynchronous case-based modules that emphasize clinical reasoning and the application of microbiology in a clinical context. Following implementationthis year, formative and summative evaluations will be used to refine the tool and assess its impact on learner self-efficacy and academic performance. This approach ensures MicroModules is learner-centered and aligned with evolving educational needs.

All Authors: No reported disclosures