Statistics Microlearning Curriculum Improves Gynecologic Surgery Residents’ Knowledge and Confidence

Objective: We sought to improve gynecologic surgery and obstetrics residents’ knowledge and confidence with biostatistics and epidemiology through a novel microlearning curriculum. Design: In this pilot study, researchers developed a 6-session, bi-monthly microlearning curriculum in biostatistics and epidemiology for Gynecologic Surgery residents. The curriculum was implemented during residency academic journal clubs, with each session reviewing a seminal article that incorporated a biostatistical or epidemiologic focus and included a standard slide set reviewing foundational concepts. Regarding microlearning, researchers texted the participating residents a set of questions 1 week before and after each session, which reviewed the key statistical topics for that session and included answers with explanations in the postsession messaging. Learners completed a validated statistics knowledge assessment before and after curriculum implementation. Setting: This study was conducted at an academic military treatment facility. Results: Sixteen and seventeen learners completed the pre- and postintervention assessments, respectively. Knowledge scores improved by 16.4 percentage points (95% CI, 6.1-26.7 percentage points, p = 0.004), and confidence in interpreting statistics increased by 0.57 points on a 5-point scale (95% CI, 0.19-0.96, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Our pilot study showcases the promise of microlearning techniques to address critical knowledge gaps in evidence-based practice.