Team-based learning for teaching musculoskeletal ultrasound skills: a prospective randomised trial

Objective The aim of this prospective randomised trial was to assess the impact of the team-based learning approach on basic musculoskeletal ultrasound skills in comparison to both peer-assisted and conventional teaching and to examine the influence of gender and learning style on learning outcomes. Methods In this prospective randomised trial, we randomly assigned 88 students to 3 groups: team-based learning ( n = 19), peer-assisted learning ( n = 36) and conventional teaching ( n = 33). Pre-existing knowledge was assessed using a multiple-choice (MC) exam. Student performance after completing the course was measured using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a second MC exam. Students were asked to complete Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory and to evaluate the course. Results There was a significant gain in theoretical knowledge for all students ( p