Pecha Kucha in medical education: a narrative literature review

This review aims to explore the use and educational impact of the Pecha Kucha presentation format in medical education, as well as its integration with active learning methodologies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus to identify studies that assessed Pecha Kucha in undergraduate, postgraduate, or patient education. Fourteen English-language studies published up to September 2024 were included. Studies were evaluated for design, participant population, learning outcomes, and pedagogical integration. The selected studies employed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches. Most studies reported positive educational outcomes, including improved knowledge retention, clearer communication, and enhanced learner engagement. Pecha Kucha was particularly effective when integrated with self-directed, problem-based, case-based, or team-based learning strategies. Participants, including students, residents, and patients, highlighted the format’s value in promoting concise, visually engaging presentations, although some noted difficulties adapting to its strict timing constraints. Pecha Kucha is a promising educational tool that incites active learning, efficient communication, and engagement in medical education. When combined with other pedagogical strategies, it contributes to a more dynamic and student-centered learning environment.