Tigges, S., Krupinski, E., Luhanga, U., Schulman, D., & Risk, B. (2021). Graphic Narrative Versus Journal Article for Teaching Medical Students About P Values: A Randomized Trial. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR, S1546-1440(21)00237-4. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.ezproxymcp.flo.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2021.03.013
ABSTRACT:
Understanding P values is difficult but essential for interpreting the medical literature. Graphic narratives (comics) facilitate scientific communication and may be an enjoyable way for learners to grasp difficult concepts, including the meaning of a P value. Previous studies have shown that comics improve student, patient, and resident understanding of medical information and often outperform traditional instructional methods. Junhasavasdikul et al found better third-year student results on a thoracostomy quiz in students randomized to a comic compared with a text-based handout. Brand et al showed that patients having angiography given a comic explaining the procedure had better understanding and satisfaction and less anxiety than patients receiving only standard informed consent.
We performed a randomized trial to compare knowledge level by exposure to a comic or a traditional journal article describing P values among first-year medical students.