Article: Adapative modules on prerequisite chemistry content positively impace chiropractic students' proficiency in biochemistry

Students entering the doctor of chiropractic program at Northwestern Health Sciences University were offered three adaptive units on chemistry concepts deemed foundational for the two-course biochemistry series offered in the first two terms of the program. The effects of this remedial intervention offered to 3 incoming cohorts were assessed in a retrospective case-control approach by comparing several outcomes with a control group of similar size who started the program before the implementation of the adaptive units. Our calculations suggest that there is a positive effect of these adaptive units, in that the odds ratio for students to end the course with a grade of D or F decreased. The biggest impact on performance among 4 summative exams in the course was observed on the final exam, with an odds ratio of 2.3 to earn an A or B on the final, indicating that students who had access to the adaptive units had a substantially higher chance to earn a good grade. The odds ratio for students to earn an F or D on the final was 0.5, indicating a 50% lower risk for a low or failing score.