Home testing and monitoring devices: A description of an interactive lab experience

ObjectiveAn interactive laboratory experience was designed to improve perceived student knowledge and confidence when recommending and educating patients about home testing products.MethodsTwenty-two small groups of students were assigned to 1 of 11 stations and afforded 30 minutes to evaluate home testing products. One student was assigned to teach the class what was learned, which included what the product measures, the process by which the test produces a result, what might interfere with the test result, and how a patient should be taught to use the home test. A patient case scenario was also discussed, and selected case questions required audience response. Students completed a pre- and post-laboratory experience survey (5-point Likert scale) to determine if they felt useful and applicable information was learned, if the utilized format enhanced their learning, and if their confidence in recommending and educating patients about home testing products improved.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-two students (88%) completed the survey prior to the home testing interactive experience, where 211 (84%) completed the post-survey. All post-survey results significantly improved when compared to results obtained from the pre-interactive lab survey, [median response 4 (IQR 4–5)]. More than two-thirds (77%) of students felt the laboratory format enhanced perceived knowledge and confidence in their ability to apply product information.ConclusionThis innovative learning activity is an effective teaching strategy that improves students' perceived knowledge of home testing products and perceived confidence in their applying learned information to patient case scenarios.