Background/Purpose: A strong foundational knowledge in immunology is key to understanding complex rheumatologic disease processes. Indeed, an immunology curriculum delivered by Rheumatology training programs across Canada is required to meet the core competencies outlined by the regulatory college. With initial work completed by Mahendira et. al (2015), a need for improving current immunology curricula was identified and high yield immunology teaching topics to be included in a national curriculum were established. In order to meet these needs, video illustration was chosen as a method of communicating complex immunological content to a geographically dispersed audience. Three short video clips were developed to highlight important immunology topics. The effectiveness of these videos in facilitating comprehension and knowledge acquisition amongst rheumatology trainees was assessed.

Methods: Immunology topics including “T cells”, “Cytokines”, and “Cytokine Receptors” were previously identified as essential to an immunology curriculum for Rheumatology trainees. Video content related to these topics was generated with the assistance of immunology, rheumatology, and medical education experts as well as a Biomedical Illustrator. The videos were piloted on adult rheumatology trainees, with pre- and post- video quizzes based on video content administered. To evaluate duration of knowledge retention, post- video quizzes were administered immediately after and six weeks following each video clip. The statistical significance of improvements in quiz performance was evaluated using paired t-testing. Qualitative feedback was also gathered to assess video content and design.

Results: Eight adult rheumatology trainees participated in video testing. The average pre test score for “T cells”, “Cytokines” and “Cytokine Receptors” was 58.3% (+/- 36.5), 61.1% (+/- 19.7), and 38.9% (+/- 16.8), respectively. Immediate post test scores were significantly improved (p<0.05) for “T cells” and “Cytokines” with averages of 90.3% (+/- 20.1) and 91.7% (+/- 15.4), respectively. Immediate post test scores for “Cytokine Receptors” were not significantly improved however scores did improve to meet departmental pass standards (>60%), with average post test scores being 62.5% (+/- 16.7). Six week post test scores continued to be above departmental pass standards for “T cells” and “Cytokines”, with scores of 76.4% (+/- 16.2), 81.9% (+/- 10.2), respectively.

Overall, video modules for “T cells” and “Cytokines” were well received with comments suggesting content was “easy to follow,” “helpful,” and a “great teaching resource.” Post-test scores and qualitative data for “Cytokine Receptors” suggest the video was “too complex” and as such will be revised and re-piloted to better meet the needs of Rheumatology trainees.

Conclusion: Immunology video content is an effective tool for improving short term comprehension and knowledge retention amongst rheumatology trainees. We hope to continue to develop these educational deliverables, building an Immunology Video Series library to facilitate immunology knowledge acquisition amongst Rheumatology trainees on a national level.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/creation-of-an-immunology-series-video-library-in-facilitating-basic-immunology-knowledge-acquisition-and-retention-amongst-adult-rheumatology-trainees/