Artificial Intelligence-Integrated BOPPPS Case-Based Learning for Nephrology Clerkship Education

NCT07820137 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: AI-BOPPPS-Nephro-2025MR-37-26-055587
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 192
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective, three-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled educational trial was conducted among third-year undergraduate medical students undertaking nephrology clerkship at The Second Hospital of Shandong University. The study aimed to compare the effects of lecture-based learning, BOPPPS combined with case-based learning, and artificial intelligence-integrated BOPPPS combined with case-based learning on students' theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning, clinical case analysis, and critical appraisal of AI-generated clinical recommendations. Existing clinical clerkship teaching groups, rather than individual students, were randomized to one of three educational interventions: lecture-based learning (LBL), BOPPPS combined with case-based learning (BOPPPS-CBL), or artificial intelligence-integrated BOPPPS combined with case-based learning (AI-BOPPPS-CBL). Twelve teaching groups were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, with four teaching groups assigned to each arm. All groups received standardized instruction on acute kidney injury and chronic renal failure delivered by the same teaching team. The BOPPPS-CBL intervention incorporated structured learning activities including case discussion, progressive case disclosure, clinical reasoning exercises, and feedback. The AI-integrated group additionally used AI-generated clinical scenarios and diagnostic and treatment recommendations as materials for critical appraisal. Students identified potential errors or limitations in AI-generated content and proposed revisions based on textbooks, clinical guidelines, and evidence-based resources. The primary outcome was the clinical case analysis score. Secondary outcomes included theoretical test scores, knowledge gain, clinical reasoning score, AI critical appraisal score, and course feedback.

Conditions

Medical Education

Keywords

Artificial intelligence; Medical education; BOPPPS; Case-based learning; Clinical reasoning; Nephrology clerkship

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Study-Specific Clinical Case Analysis Assessment Total Score

  Clinical case analysis performance was assessed using a study-specific three-case written assessment developed by the nephrology teaching team. The assessment evaluated students' ability to apply nephrology knowledge to clinical case analysis, diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and critical appraisal of AI-generated clinical recommendations. Total scores ranged from 0 to 70 points, with higher scores indicating better overall clinical case analysis performance.

  Immediately after completion of the educational intervention

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Study-Specific Post-Class Theoretical Knowledge Test Score

  Immediately after completion of the educational intervention

• Study-Specific Clinical Case Analysis Assessment: Clinical Reasoning Component Score

  Immediately after completion of the educational intervention

• Study-Specific Clinical Case Analysis Assessment: AI Critical Appraisal Component Score

  Immediately after completion of the educational intervention

• Knowledge Gain in Theoretical Knowledge Test Score

  Change from immediately before the educational intervention to immediately after completion of the educational intervention

• Study-Specific Course Feedback Questionnaire Total Score

  Immediately after completion of the educational intervention

Study Arms (3)

Lecture-Based Learning

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Students received traditional lecture-based learning during nephrology clerkship education. Standardized instruction on acute kidney injury and chronic renal failure was provided by the teaching team.

Behavioral: Lecture-Based Learning

BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

EXPERIMENTAL

Students received a BOPPPS structured teaching model combined with case-based learning activities. The intervention included progressive clinical case discussion, clinical reasoning exercises, and feedback during nephrology clerkship education.

Behavioral: BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

AI-Integrated BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

EXPERIMENTAL

Students received an artificial intelligence-integrated BOPPPS case-based learning model. AI-generated clinical scenarios and diagnostic and treatment recommendations were used as learning materials for critical appraisal. Students evaluated AI-generated content and revised potential errors based on clinical guidelines and evidence-based resources.

Behavioral: AI-Integrated BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

Interventions

Lecture-Based Learning BEHAVIORAL

Students received traditional lecture-based learning during nephrology clerkship education. Standardized teaching on acute kidney injury and chronic renal failure was delivered by the teaching team using conventional instructional methods.

Lecture-Based Learning

BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning BEHAVIORAL

Students received a structured BOPPPS teaching model combined with case-based learning activities during nephrology clerkship education. The intervention included case discussion, progressive case disclosure, clinical reasoning exercises, and feedback from instructors.

BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

AI-Integrated BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning BEHAVIORAL

Students received an artificial intelligence-integrated BOPPPS case-based learning model. AI-generated clinical scenarios and diagnostic and treatment recommendations were used as learning materials for critical appraisal. Students evaluated AI-generated content and identified potential errors or limitations based on clinical guidelines and evidence-based resources.

AI-Integrated BOPPPS Combined With Case-Based Learning

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Third-year undergraduate medical students in the clinical medicine program of Shandong University undertaking the nephrology clerkship at The Second Hospital of Shandong University.
• Completion of the required theoretical courses in pathophysiology and internal medicine before study participation.
• Provision of written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• \- Previous nephrology clinical clerkship or internship experience, or previous participation in additional nephrology-focused training beyond the standard pre-clerkship curriculum.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Second Hospital of Shandong University: lead

Study Sites (1)

The Second Hospital of Shandong University

Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China

Location

Study Officials

• Fulin Dou

  The Second Hospital of Shandong University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Students and instructors could not be blinded because of the nature of the educational interventions. Examination papers were coded without group information, and personnel responsible for scoring the written assessments were blinded to group allocation. Personnel performing the statistical analysis were also blinded to group allocation during the primary analysis.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: This was a three-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled educational trial. Existing clinical clerkship teaching groups were the units of randomization. Twelve teaching groups were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio, with four teaching groups assigned to each arm. Students within each teaching group received the same assigned educational intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 24, 2026
• First Posted: September 15, 2026
• Study Start: November 17, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: December 1, 2025
• Last Updated: September 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)