Development of a Novel Gastroenterology/Hepatology Case-Based Educational Website for Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Most online educational resources focus heavily on knowledge recall, with limited opportunities for application-based learning. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated novel modes of instruction to facilitate distance learning. To address these needs, we created a free open access medical education website dedicated to Gastroenterology/Hepatology (GI/Hep) that includes interactive case-based journeys, incorporating pathophysiology and disease management, to support the development of clinical reasoning skills. Methods: Our website, www.GiSIM.com, was created on Wordpress and modeled after NephSIM, an innovative e-learning platform created by our nephrology collaborators. Cases were drafted by Mount Sinai internal medicine (IM) residents and GI/Hep fellows and reviewed by GI/Hep faculty. Case journeys are sequential (Fig. 1a) with each stage prompting users to develop differential diagnoses and select next best steps in management. Immediate feedback on responses, along with clinical reasoning is provided. An embedded survey collected user data and feedback using a Likert scale on website usability, content quality, and educational value. A separate survey evaluated case authors’ experiences. Results: GiSIM launched with four cases in January 2021 and has received 5393 views and 740 visitors to date. New cases are disseminated bimonthly via email to institutional trainees and via Twitter (@Gisim_website). User surveys were completed by 7 attendings, 19 fellows and 11 residents (Fig 1b). Most users took <5 (36%) or 5-10 minutes (48%) to complete cases, with faster completion times correlating with higher training levels. Case length was deemed “just right” by 93% of users. Most users agreed or somewhat agreed that cases were interactive, improved their confidence and understanding of the topic, and reported that they would use it again and recommend it to colleagues. Author surveys were completed by 2 attendings, 3 fellows and 3 residents. A majority of authors felt the experience provided significant learning (75%) and improved their clinical skills (Table 1). Conclusion: We developed GiSIM, a novel website with interactive case-based GI/Hep content that enables distance learning and serves as a valuable educational tool for both authors and users. Further studies are warranted to measure the impact of GiSIM on clinical reasoning and to ascertain strategies for integrating its use with traditional didactic formats.Figure 1.: a. Schematic Illustration of a Sample Case. b. Users' Perception of GiSIM Website and Cases.Table 1.: Impact of Case Creation on Authors’ Perceived Skills in Diagnosing and Managing the Selected Clinical Scenario.