โก Quick Summary
This study evaluated the integration of the open-source large language model DeepSeek into the problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum for hematology residency training. The findings revealed that DeepSeek-assisted PBL significantly enhanced clinical competence and learner engagement compared to traditional PBL methods.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Participants: 60 second-year hematology residents, divided into two groups of 30.
- ๐ Methodology: One group received traditional PBL instruction, while the other utilized DeepSeek V3 and R1 models.
- ๐ง Learning Assessment: Post-course surveys and five standardized examinations covering various competency domains.
- ๐ Key Findings: DeepSeek-assisted PBL outperformed traditional methods in four out of five competency domains.
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ก DeepSeek integration improved case analysis effectiveness and feedback quality.
- ๐ Higher scores were achieved in Exams I, III, IV, and V by the DeepSeek group.
- ๐ No significant difference was found in clinical skills (Exam II).
- ๐ค Concerns about AI-generated medical advice accuracy were noted among participants.
- ๐ Enhanced curriculum alignment with current guidelines was reported by the DeepSeek group.
- ๐ Further research is needed to explore AI tools for improving interactive elements and procedural skills.
๐ Background
Problem-based learning (PBL) has long been a cornerstone of medical education, fostering critical thinking and clinical reasoning among residents. However, the integration of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, into this educational framework presents an exciting opportunity to enhance learning outcomes. The study aimed to assess how the incorporation of DeepSeek, an open-source large language model, could augment traditional PBL approaches in hematology residency training.
๐๏ธ Study
Conducted as a non-randomized controlled trial, the study involved two groups of 30 second-year hematology residents each. The traditional PBL group followed standard instructional methods, while the DeepSeek-assisted group engaged with the AI model during their in-person PBL sessions. The study spanned two identical hematology courses, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of learning outcomes through surveys and standardized examinations.
๐ Results
The results indicated that the DeepSeek-assisted PBL group exhibited significant advantages in several competency domains, including case analysis effectiveness and clinical reasoning. Notably, this group outperformed their peers in four out of five examinations, achieving higher total scores. However, the study found no significant difference in clinical skills, and concerns regarding the reliability of AI-generated medical advice were raised by participants.
๐ Impact and Implications
The findings from this study suggest that integrating DeepSeek into PBL curricula could lead to improved clinical competence and enhanced learner engagement in hematology residency training. As medical education continues to evolve, the potential for open-source LLMs like DeepSeek to serve as scalable and cost-effective support tools is promising. This could pave the way for broader applications of AI in medical training, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare education.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This study highlights the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence into medical education, particularly through the use of DeepSeek in PBL settings. By enhancing clinical reasoning and learner engagement, AI tools may significantly contribute to the future of medical training. Continued exploration of these technologies is essential to fully realize their benefits in educational contexts.
๐ฌ Your comments
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Application of DeepSeek-assisted problem-based learning in hematology residency training.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of integrating the open-source large language model (LLM) DeepSeek into problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum for hematology residency training.
METHODS: This non-randomized controlled trial included two groups of 30ย s-year hematology residents each. One group received traditional PBL instruction, while the other’s PBL was assisted by DeepSeek. Both groups participated in in-person PBL sessions across two identical hematology courses. The DeepSeek-assisted PBL group utilized DeepSeek V3 and R1 models, along with an AI-facilitated web search and integrated output after automatic information filtering and analysis during their in-person PBL sessions. Learning outcomes were assessed via a post-course survey evaluating effectiveness, credibility, reliability, and engagement. Students also completed five standardized examinations covering analysis and diagnostic decision-making, procedural skills, communication, interdisciplinary integration, and emergency management/ethical considerations.
RESULTS: The study demonstrated significant advantages of DeepSeek-assisted PBL over traditional PBL across multiple competency domains, including case analysis effectiveness, feedback quality, course structure, and clinical reasoning. Participants also reported stronger curriculum alignment with current guidelines and enhanced capacity for generating clinical insights during discussions. Academically, the DeepSeek-assisted PBL group outperformed in four out of five competency domains (Exams I, III, IV, V), achieving higher total examination scores. However, no significant difference emerged in clinical skills (Exam II), nor did DeepSeek enhance interactive elements based on survey results. Notably, the DeepSeek-assisted PBL group also expressed greater concerns about the potential inaccuracies in artificial intelligence-generated medical advice.
CONCLUSION: Integrating DeepSeek into the PBL curriculum may improve clinical competence, diagnostic reasoning, and learner engagement in hematology residency training. These findings suggest that open-source LLMs like DeepSeek may offer scalable and cost-effective support tools to augment traditional medical education. Further study is needed to explore artificial intelligence tools for enhancing interactive elements and procedural skills.
Author: [‘Hou J’, ‘An F’, ‘Qin H’, ‘Zhang L’, ‘Wang J’, ‘Zhang C’, ‘Fan D’]
Journal: BMC Med Educ
Citation: Hou J, et al. Application of DeepSeek-assisted problem-based learning in hematology residency training. Application of DeepSeek-assisted problem-based learning in hematology residency training. 2025; 25:1291. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-07852-x