Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of case-based learning (CBL) combined with PICOS (population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, study design) framework in undergraduate occupational therapy (OT) education.
Methods A total of 43 junior students majoring in OT from School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, were taught the core courses of OT using CBL combined with PICOS framework, from February, 2023 to June, 2024. The Evidence-based Practice Competency Assessment Scale was used to investigate the students at the beginning and the end of the semester, respectively.
Results At the end of the semester, students' self-assessments improved in areas such as the quality evaluation of literature, identifying the best scientific evidence, evaluating the quality of papers, conducting practical analysis of research, applying PICOS to formulate clinical questions, assessing the primary association measurement methods of research results, understanding different levels of evidence, and familiarity with commonly used evidence-based practice databases (χ² > 4.778, P < 0.05). Self-assessment regarding uncertainty about the decision-making process or the different recommendation strengths for health interventions (χ² = 7.938, P < 0.01) was lower. Attitudes toward evidence-based practice, skill levels, and knowledge all improved.
Conclusion The combined application of CBL and PICOS framework could improve the effect of undergraduate OT education and enhance the evidence-based practice ability of OT students.

Key words: rehabilitation competency framework, occupational therapy, undergraduate education, case-based learning, evidence-based practice