Demonstration

Neurology- und Surgery- Interactive: Two Programs, One Shell

Christof J. Daetwyler M.D.
Dept. for Education Media of the Institute for Medical Education, University of Berne, Switzerland
 
Abstract:
With patient-centered programs, we intended to supplement actual bedside
clinical experience for medical students. The need for its development is
given by these facts:

• - educational resources have become progressively scarcer
• - clinical teachers have less time for teaching
• - patients with classical presentations are not available, when the curriculum calls for them.

Realisation:
It took us more than 4 years to realize a program that suited our needs for
the education of medical students in neurology - we named the program
'Neurology interactive'
<http://www.aum.iawf.unibe.ch/Portrait/prod/Neuro_Projekt.HTM>. Todate, we
are working on a program called 'Surgery interactive'. Both programs are of
same structure: Learners proceed through a series of clinical cases and
linked theoretical modules at their own pace and in their own order. In
analogy to normal clinical practice, students are first presented with a
case history. They then perform a clinical examination, using an intuitive
graphical user interface. Application of medical examination-tools
(stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, reflex hammer etc.) to the appropriate
locations causes the programs to provide realistic verbal and visual
responses.
 
A hard problem to solve was, that case-based learning-environments demand
for a help-system that doesn't destroy the student's curiosity while
protecting him against loosing himself. Our solution consists of a
context-sensitive tutoring: On demand, an experienced tutor recommends
examinations not yet performed but of importance for making the diagnosis.
Outcome:
The German version of 'Neurology interactive' was edited in August 1998 by
the Georg-Thieme-Verlag
<http://www.thieme.de/fachaerzte/neuroend/index.htm>. In september 1998, it
won the European Academic Software Award in Oxford, UK
<http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/ctipsych/easa/welcome.html>. The american
version is beeing finished in collaboration with the neurologic ward of the
UCHSC (University of Colorado Health Science Center).
 
BENEFIT FOR THE ATTENDEES:
Patient-centered programs can be of benefit for the problem-based education
of medical students. The empathy that medical student feel for patients is
used as stimulus for a better learning. The presenter shows how this goal
is reached.
 
Christof Daetwyler MD
Dept. for Education Media AUM
 AUM - IAWF, University of Berne
Inselspital 38
CH - 3010 Bern (Switzerland)
Tel: +41 31 632 25 12
 Fax: +41 31 632 
daetwyle@ubecx01.unibe.ch