The Flipped Classroom Approach: A Feasible Way to Teach the Physical Exam in Spanish.

Abstract

Introduction: There is an increasing need for medical Spanish education, and experts have suggested a flipped classroom approach incorporating online and in-person learning as a low-cost and effective way to teach language skills. As such, we produced a brief hybrid learning workshop to teach performance of the physical exam in Spanish.

Methods: We developed a flipped classroom Spanish physical exam workshop that consisted of asynchronous online video modules and in-person teaching. The workshop was offered at a single medical school to all second-year preclinical students. Students were surveyed on their comfort performing a physical exam in Spanish (without an interpreter) before and after the in-person workshop.

Results: A total of 62 students attended the workshop and completed surveys. Eighteen students (29%) watched some or all of the videos prior to the workshop and were highly satisfied with the quality of the videos (94% satisfied). After completing the in-person workshop, students reported significantly higher comfort in interacting with Spanish-speaking patients. Students reported increased comfort using an interpreter but also reported increased comfort with talking to patients without an interpreter present.

Discussion: Overall, this intervention provides a feasible method for teaching the physical exam in Spanish and increasing students' comfort levels in working with Spanish-speaking patients. The Spanish proficiency levels for which this workshop might be most effective remain unclear. Care should be taken to ensure students are aware of their limitations and practice their language skills only in the presence of a certified medical interpreter.