How to learn the International Standards to document remaining Autonomic Function after Spinal Cord Injury (ISAFSCI) content: Self-study through booklet is not enough

This study investigates how well medical students learn about autonomic functions after spinal cord injury using the International Standards (ISAFSCI). The goal was to determine if self-study with a booklet is sufficient for understanding these standards. The students were divided into two groups: one group studied the ISAFSCI booklet on their own, while the other group received a lecture on the same material. Afterward, both groups were tested on their knowledge of ISAFSCI. The results showed that students who received the lecture performed better on the test than those who only studied the booklet. This suggests that self-study with the ISAFSCI booklet alone may not be enough to gain a good understanding of the material.

• 1
  Medical students have limited baseline knowledge of autonomic function concepts related to spinal cord injury.
• 2
  Lecture-based learning (LBL) is more effective than booklet self-study (BSS) for learning the ISAFSCI, particularly for complex topics like hypohydrosis, broncho-pulmonary system, lower urinary tract function, bowel function, and female sexual function.
• 3
  Self-study using the ISAFSCI booklet is not sufficient for appropriate understanding of the content.