Combined Case-Based and Problem-Based Learning in a Cardiothoracic ICU: A Retrospective Nonrandomized Comparative Educational Study.

Authors

Zhigang Wang, Yu Tian, Min Ge

Published in

Advances in medical education and practice. Volume 17. Pages 645585. Epub Oct 20, 2026.

Abstract

To compare immediate knowledge improvement, simulation performance, and participant satisfaction between combined case-based learning and problem-based learning (CBL-PBL) and traditional lecture-based training among cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) professionals in a single-center retrospective nonrandomized comparative study.
This single-center retrospective nonrandomized comparative study reviewed training records for 46 healthcare professionals at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, China, from January to December 2024. Training-group membership was preference-based, with 23 participants per group. Outcomes included pre-to-post knowledge change, simulation performance, and satisfaction. Additional unadjusted comparisons used the Welch method. Exploratory logistic regression examined membership in a median-defined higher post-training score category, adjusting for age, sex, professional experience, and baseline knowledge. Clinical indicators were reported descriptively.
The between-group difference in knowledge improvement favored CBL-PBL by 7.60 points (approximate 95% CI 1.01-14.19; P = 0.025). Simulation-score differences favored CBL-PBL across three scenarios, ranging from 1.60 to 1.90 points (all P ≤ 0.001). Satisfaction was higher by 2.80 points (95% CI 1.91-3.69; P < 0.001). CBL-PBL was associated with higher odds of membership in the higher-score category (adjusted OR 8.961; 95% CI 1.861-43.156; P = 0.006), although the estimate was imprecise.
Structured case discussion and collaborative problem-solving warrant further evaluation as components of cardiothoracic ICU training. Prospective studies with validated assessments and delayed follow-up are needed before recommending routine adoption or claiming sustained learning or patient benefit.

PMID:
42927388
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 25 Oct 2026.

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