Auditorium Presentation
Student Evaluations of Computrized Cases to Teach Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sonya Erickson, MD* and Scott Elliott BSOFFICE OF RESEA, University of Iowa
Abstract:
PURPOSE:
This presentation will summarize the evaluations submitted by medical students who have completed on-line cases as part of their basic rotation in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Their comments should help programmers and clinicians effectively develop and implement computer-based educational tools.
BACKGROUND:
Three computerized clinical case simulations are used to teach the medical and physician assistant students completing their basic clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Though the cases cover different material, all three require students to obtain a history and physical, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and answer questions. This abstract summarizes the student evaluations of the cases which they completed on-line at the end of the programs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Educational objectives for three clinical cases were developed by the first author using Medical Student Educational Objectives, Seventh Edition by the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The cases protrayed a first pre-natal visit, an acute episode of vaginal bleeding, and a couple with primary infertility, respectively. Each case was converted into computerized form using ClinicSoft, a software package created by the second author.
Between September 11, 1998 and May 15, 1999, all medical and physician assistant students completing their basic clerkship in obstetrics ad gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics were required to complete one or two of the cases and were advised to spend 60 - 90 minutes on each. Students presented learning issues suggested by the cases during one-hour small-group teaching sessions. Though the assignments were required, no grades were assigned to work completed on-line.
Using the studentsí names, all on-line work was stored and served as the principle database for analysis. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 5.0 for the following outcome measures: 1) the number and duration of sessions required to complete the simulations, 2) the number of unique history questions asked, and 3) the number of entries the computer did not understand. The studentsí clinical performance grades, scores on the NBME shelf examination, and final grades were abstracted from the departmental grading records. The students responses to the on-line questionnaire were tabulated using the seven-point Likert scale that the students used for on-line data entry. Simple regression was used to correlate these evaluations with items one through three listed above as well as the studentís grades.
Benefit in Attending Session:
PURPOSE:
This presentation will summarize the evaluations submitted by medical students who have completed on-line cases as part of their basic rotation in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Their comments should help programmers and clinicians as they develop and implement computer-based educational tools.
Sonya S. Erickson, MD Dpartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology 200 Hawkins Drive Boyd Tower 412-2 University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Iowa City, IA 52242 (319) 356-4513 Fax Number: (319) 356-3901 sonya-erickson@uiowa.edu Name Co-Author(s): Scott Elliott, BS Instructional Designer Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education College of Medicine 1204 MEB Iowa City, Iowa (319) 335-8918 (319) 335-8901 Fax Number(s): (319) 335-8904 scott-elliott@uiowa.edu