BackgroundMedical students are required to retain vast amounts of medical knowledge on the path to becoming physicians. To address this challenge, multimedia Web-based learning resources have been developed to supplement traditional text-based materials. The Picmonic® Learning System (PLS; Picmonic, Phoenix, AZ, USA) is a novel multimedia Web-based learning platform that delivers audiovisual mnemonics designed to improve memory retention of medical sciences.MethodsA single-center, randomized, subject-blinded, controlled study was conducted to compare the PLS with traditional text-based material for retention of medical science topics. Subjects were randomly assigned to use two different types of study materials covering several diseases. Subjects randomly assigned to the PLS group were given audiovisual mnemonics along with text-based materials, whereas subjects in the control group were given the same text-based materials with key terms highlighted. The primary endpoints were the differences in performance on immediate, 1 week, and 1 month delayed free-recall and paired-matching tests. The secondary endpoints were the difference in performance on a 1 week delayed multiple-choice test and self-reported satisfaction with the study materials. Differences were calculated using unpaired two-tailed t-tests.ResultsPLS group subjects demonstrated improvements of 65%, 161%, and 208% compared with control group subjects on free-recall tests conducted immediately, 1 week, and 1 month after study of materials, respectively. The results of performance on paired-matching tests showed an improvement of up to 331% for PLS group subjects. PLS group subjects also performed 55% greater than control group subjects on a 1 week delayed multiple choice test requiring higher-order thinking. The differences in test performance between the PLS group subjects and the control group subjects were statistically significant (P<0.001), and the PLS group subjects reported higher overall satisfaction with the material.ConclusionThe data of this pilot site demonstrate marked improvements in the retention of disease topics when using the PLS compared with traditional text-based materials. The use of the PLS in medical education is supported.

63 Background: Patient engagement during the initiation, development, and implementation of a study has been shown to improve the ethical nature of research and the appropriateness of treatment methods, and insights into how best to partner with patients are needed. We describe our patient engagement experience in developing a clinical trial for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer (PCA). Methods: A team of patient research partners (PRPs) was consulted to design a multi-institutional study to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and early palliative care (EPC) in patients with PCA who are typically ineligible for clinical trials due to advanced age, poor performance status, or preexisting comorbidities. PRPs included patients, caregivers, clinical researchers, patient advocacy organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. A 22-item initial survey on personal interests and a 5-item follow-up survey on study design were anonymously completed after two in-person meetings. Results: Of 15 PRPs involved, 9 completed the initial survey and 10 completed the follow-up survey. PRPs were most interested in improving quality of life (QOL, 89%), care coordination (78%), symptom management (67%), stress/anxiety (56%), and survival (56%). Confidence in the care team, hope, QOL, education and understanding, dignity, and pain management were reported to be the most important factors throughout the cancer experience. The majority (89%) requested that study participants have access to the study protocol and research publications supporting the study design. Because all PRPs suggested that a personal website be used to provide information to study participants and to disseminate the results of the study, an online patient education platform was adopted and customized for patients (and caregivers). Furthermore, integration of EPC into the treatment regimen was unanimously endorsed. Conclusions: Engaging PRPs in the process of designing a clinical trial for PCA appears to be feasible and valuable in identifying the study objectives most important to patients. PRPs conveyed that maintaining a good QOL is essential, and adoption of EPC in these patients should be considered.