MedMatch

Inspiration

We were inspired by Tinder's interface and implemented a swiping technique to test users on their learning of diabetes medications. We also took inspiration from how our group likes to learn by relating words to stories/meanings to help remember and apply complex topics.

What it does

MedMatch equips users with a script for clinical reasoning. First, the app teaches users how to identify drug classes using the drug suffix, then tests their learning with a case-based swiping game to match or pass the drug to a case based on its class. Then, the app teaches users how to differentiate drugs within the same class using prefixes that would like a word related to the drugs key function. To test that knowledge, users enter the “This or That” section where they have to choose between 2 drugs from the same class that would be more appropriate for the case. Lastly, to test all learning of drug classes and specific properties (suffix and prefix), users enter “The Consult” where they’re provided with an extensive case and have to freely recall the correct drug and their rationale behind choosing it.

How we built it

Using Base44 and GeminiAI.

Challenges we ran into

The biggest challenge was figuring out a way to teach any user the basics properties and key differentiations between all the diabetes medications in the dataset without increasing the cognitive load (the amount of information they have to learn). Our original ideas involved using associations, however this strategy required users to memorize too much unnecessary information along the way. This prompted our team to revise our idea until we found a way for the user to learn quickly and efficiently. To do this, we used script theory to help the user build a framework on how to step by step approach deciphering the properties of a given drug, moving from broader information about drug class to specific features of each drug.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud of effectively executing our vision and making an app that can teach anyone the basics of prescribing diabetes medications in an easy and engaging way, under limited time constraints.

What we learned

Through drafting the idea for this project, as well as designing the web app itself, our team gained a lot of knowledge about effective learning tools. By viewing the shortcomings in existing learning tools for medical students (e.g. lack of clinical application and over-gamification in learning apps), we learned a lot about new possible features we could incorporate to overcome these challenges in our learning community.

Throughout this project, we developed key skills relevant to app development, project management, and problem-solving. As we encountered many little glitches and technical difficulties along the way, we learned to work together efficiently to tackle them and move forward as a team.

What's next for MedMatch

MedMatch can be applied to many different aspects of medical education such as pharmacology, microbiology, and anything to do with medical terminology at all. Next steps would be to branch out from just diabetes medication and make it so that the user just needs to upload a data set specific to the learning material. The app will create connections and teach the user how to think through clinical reasoning problems, not only in terms of prescription, but also in terms of diagnosis and prognosis.

Built With

• base44