Abstract:

The challenge of reducing the physician shortage and enhancing diversity within the medical workforce remains pressing globally. Innovative educational strategies that leverage technology could play a pivotal role in preparing more medical students to pass their exams. This study extends previous research by examining the longitudinal effects of an automated spaced retrieval formative quiz algorithm on the academic achievement of Caribbean medical students.

Utilizing logistic regression to analyze the data, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the likelihood of achieving a passing score. The analysis reveals a consistently higher likelihood of passing for students engaging most frequently with the algorithm (top 25%) across all four semesters studied, even after controlling for pre-matriculation science GPAs. For example, in Fall 2021, the OR was 2.34 (p < 0.01; CI: 1.4-3.9), underscoring the algorithm's effectiveness.

Survey data collected in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 (23.2% & 52.8% response rate respectively), indicated high levels of engagement in responders, with over 83.3% of respondents in 2021 and 92.9% in 2022 using the algorithm at least weekly. Most notably, features such as MCQs aligned with daily learning objectives, explanatory videos, and an increased presence of image-based questions were highly valued by students for enhancing their study efficacy.

These findings affirm the value of assistive intelligence (AI) algorithms, like the automated spaced retrieval quiz, in promoting learning and academic achievement among Caribbean medical students. By facilitating a more engaging and effective study process, such innovations could play a significant role in addressing the physician shortage and enhancing the diversity of medical graduates ready to serve underserved populations. Future research should explore the long-term career outcomes of students benefiting from AI-assisted learning, potentially guiding the broader implementation of such technologies in medical education.

Keywords:

AI, spaced retrieval, formative quiz, Caribbean medical students, medical education, cohort study.