Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO0998

ABC Kidney: A Practice-Based Digital Renal Physiology Learning Platform Improves Engagement and Perceived Understanding

Session Information

• Educational Research
  October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Educational Research

• 1000 Educational Research

Authors

• Cruz, Emmanuel, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Emmanuel Cruz, MD

• Pangilinan, Jayce Ann Q., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Jayce Ann Q. Pangilinan, MD

• Campbell, Ruth E., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Ruth E. Campbell, DO, MS

• Jani, Alkesh, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Alkesh Jani, MD

• Lockspeiser, Tai M., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States

Tai M. Lockspeiser, MD, MEd

• Abbasi, Momen, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Momen Abbasi, MD

• Ambruso, Sophia L., Idaho Nephrology Associates, Boise, Idaho, United States

Sophia L. Ambruso, DO, FASN

Background

Renal physiology is challenging. We developed an interactive digital platform integrating animated tutorials and retrieval-based practice (drag and drop, sliders (figure 1A) and multiple-choice) to enhance learner engagement and understanding.

Methods

ABC Kidney was offered as a voluntary adjunct to a first-year medical student renal physiology course. Between 2025 and 2026, the platform expanded with 12 new foundational renal physiology modules. We conducted platform analytics, post-course surveys, and focus groups, comparing results between 2025 and '26 cohorts. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Data analytics showed voluntary student platform access increased from 42.5% to 60% between 2025 and 26. In 2026, 29% of learners completed ≥40% of activities and 13% completed ≥75%. Comparing 2025 and 2026 years, Likert scale results showed engagement increased with users spending >60 minutes on ABC Kidney, an increase from 15.2% to 66.7% (figure 1B). Student perceived renal physiology understanding improved from 78.8% to 97.2%. Interactive activities emerged as an impactful core component; increasing from 37.5% to 52.9% (figure 1C). Perceived study efficiency and reduced external resource search was consistent across years. Free-text and focus group analysis favored practice-based learning, with interactive activities and active learning leading in 2026 (figure 1D). 2026 focus group themes favored misconception correction, self-regulated learning and interest in pre-work integration. Time constraints, competing resources, and study habits explained tool use limitations. No differences were seen in course performances.

Conclusion

ABC Kidney showed increasing learner engagement over time. Results signaled retrieval-based activities as a mechanism driving learning, potentially supporting deeper understanding and efficiency. Time scarcity, resource saturation and habit inertia limited its use. These findings support integrating a digital retrieval-focused tool like ABC Kidney into pre-clinical physiology curricula.

Funding

• Private Foundation Support