Adolescent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Problem Based Learning (PBL)

Abstract Introduction Understanding the differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain is complex, especially with an adolescent patient. We created this problem-based learning (PBL) exercise to facilitate teaching about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in an adolescent during a 1-hour rounds-type format within a clinical curriculum. Methods This resource contains a facilitator guide that outlines the case and provides question prompts which may be used to guide the students’ experience of the case. A learner version of the case and a handout containing useful reference information are also provided. This group works through each page followed by a very short summary of the learning points that are on the facilitator copy. It is important that the facilitator has a basic understanding of talking with adolescents and is comfortable with the PBL format. The diagnosis and treatment for PID is based on 2006 CDC Guidelines. Results This case has been used multiple times. No formal studies have been done, but it has been used multiple times with a pediatric inpatient team made up of multiple levels of learners. Informal feedback has been uniformly positive supporting that the case is realistic, useful, and practical. Discussion This case is appropriate for both undergraduate and graduate medical education settings and has been successful when utilized with a pediatric inpatient team made up of multiple levels of learners. While used in a rounds-type format it can be adapted to other PBL or case-based formats