Effect of integrating research skills with basic sciences in an interdisciplinary integrated endocrine module on students’ satisfaction and performance

Background: A system-based integrated curriculum has been implemented at Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University since the academic year 2006/2007. There were many calls to increase the integration level and to integrate the scientific research skills into the medical curriculum. Objectives: This study aimed to document the steps taken to establish a higher level of integration of basic sciences along with the scientific research skills and to assess the effect of such changes on student satisfaction and performance. Methods: The integration level among the endocrine basic sciences was increased from the temporal co-ordination to the interdisciplinary level. Students’ assessment methods were modified accordingly. Scientific research skills were incorporated into the module. Students’ satisfaction and performance were compared before and after implementation of these changes. Results: A significant increase in students’ satisfaction with the module organization was recorded. A significant increase in students’ self-reported motivation to study the endocrine subject matter as well as improvement of their research skills was also reported compared to that of the students studied the module before the reform. The percentage of students got grade an after modular reform was significantly higher compared to those who studied the traditional module while the overall success rate showed non-significant increase. Conclusion: This interdisciplinary integrated endocrine module provides framework and tips for module construction that would improve critical thinking skills, research skill and prepare the students to be life-long learners.