Taking on the Web: Using Web-Based Data Collection to Track the Quality of Medical Education.

John H. Lockwood, Ph.D.

Association of American Medical Colleges

Abstract:

The goal of any evaluation tool is to improve the process it is evaluating. AAMC's Medical School Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) has been used by schools since 1978 to provide insights into their medical education programs and now the Web-based version provides better opportunities for evaluation. This poster will present information about how data from GQ can be used to improve medical education.

The GQ queries graduates about:

• Whether the student's medical education prepared them appropriately for residency and future practice

• Whether their medical education was conducted in an environment that was conducive to learning
• Their financial situation
• The positive and negative aspects of their educational experience
• Their long term career goals
• As well as a number of other more specific elements.

The Web-based feature of the GQ provides a flexible reporting system for medical schools. The Web-based reports for the 2000 GQ will be returned to the schools as early as April 1st (with preliminary data) - in time to affect change for the following year, and all schools will receive the final data reports by September 1st. The Web-based format also provides more flexibility in the types of reports generated, and makes trend analysis available to schools for longitudinal queries. Thus, the GQ provides a powerful way for medical schools to evaluate their programs and this poster presentation will expand on this theme.

Benefit in Attending Session:

This poster will explain the different aspects of Web-based data collection and how to use the data to improve health-related education programs. For those wondering about the benefits of Web-based data collection, this poster will be valuable. In addition, those curious about how to use survey data to their advantage will also benefit from the session.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

John H. Lockwood, Ph.D.

Division of Medical Education

Association of American Medical Colleges

2450 N St., NW

Washington, DC 20037

Telephone Number: 202-828-0960

Fax Number: 202-828-0972