Computerized Access from Rural Family Medicine Rotations

Robert W. Foster, D.O., Darryl Hale, and Helen Baker

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)

Abstract:

In 1998-1999, clinical students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) spent a total 567 rotations, totaling 2,543 weeks, with physicians in rural practice in the hills of West Virginia. We believe rural rotations contribute to the exceptionally high percentage of WVSOM graduates entering family practice (49%) for WVSOM's graduating classes of 1995 to 1997, compared to a national average of approximately (16%) for MD schools). However, communicating effectively with and managing students on rural rotations was a challenge. With funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Public Health Services, an Information Systems Specialist was hired by the school in September, 1997, to work exclusively to develop the information linkage with rural sites.

In less than three years, in cooperation with the project director, the Information Systems Specialist used Allaire ColdFusion to develop web-based mechanisms (http://clined.wvsom.edu/) for the following:

· online student access to rotation objectives and policies, housing information and maps

· remote submission of case studies, logs, and feedback on all clinical sites students have completed (including electives);

· informing students about open rotations/training opportunities;

· providing information about family practice residency opportunities, with on-line application to affiliated internship/residency programs

· access for students and preceptors to medical journals and text data bases through the institution's medical library

· secured access by faculty/administration and the involved student to rotation grades and rotation schedule

· electronic generation of pictured student identification cards and immunization records with preservation for future access

We have been delighted with the success to date. Students have appreciated remote access to information. The greatest remaining challenge is development of a data base of board format appropriate questions for the pre- and post-tests with appropriate, immediate feedback. Overall, we believe this project will increase student learning and satisfaction with rural family medicine rotations. In addition, rural sites and preceptors are also communicating more effectively and feeling less isolated in their rural practices.

Benefit in Attending Session:

This demonstrates successful application of information technology to off campus students in medical education, and to all students and adjunct faculty as a whole. The system utilizes Allaire ColdFusion application server as a method of distributing dynamic content.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Robert W. Foster, D.O.

WVSOM

400 N. Lee Street

Lewsiburg, WV 24901

Telephone Number: 304 647-6290

Fax Number: 304 647-6258

E-mail Address: rfoster@wvsom.edu

Web Site: http://clined.wvsom.edu/

CO-AUTHORS' INFORMATION

Darryl R. Hall

Web Developer/Web Master