Opioid Management of Pain: Web-based Tutorials for Second-year and Third-year Medical Students
Kathryn L. Lovell
Michigan State University College of
Human Medicine
Abstract:
Interactive web-based content material and tutorials can be effective methods of learning for medical students in addition to, or instead of, traditional lectures and other course materials. We have focused on developing self-instructional materials related to pain assessment, pain management, and addiction concepts for medical students at different levels of training. Pain is a frequent problem in any medical practice, whether associated with advanced illness or other acute or chronic conditions. Although physicians now have very effective treatments at their disposal, pain remains one of the most poorly assessed and treated physical symptoms. Lack of knowledge and myths about addiction continue to be significant barriers to good pain management. The "Opioid Management of Pain" Web site was designed to provide knowledge about pain management options and dispel myths about addiction as one strategy to improve pain management education for future physicians. The development team consisted of a physician with expertise in pain management and end-of-life care (KO), a second-year medical student who had completed the relevant preclinical courses (HZ), and a neuroscientist with multimedia development background, who also was involved in the second-year curriculum (KL). Most of the Web site was established by the medical students using a commercial Web creation program, with college computer center staff providing assistance and creation of feedback pop-up boxes. Much of the content was adapted from existing paper-based handouts, with creation of new case scenarios, questions and feedback. The medical student played a major role in development of the new material, considerably reducing the time required by the content expert. Separate pages were created for second-year and for third-year students, based on their background and the objectives established. For second-year students, the Web site will be assigned in February 2000 as part of the content material in the problem-based course covering the neurological system, with a combination multiple-choice question and essay question exam at the end. Subjective evaluation by students of the effectiveness of the Web site will be presented.
Benefit in Attending
Session:
This demonstration provides an example of using Web-based materials to enhance education of medical students at different levels related to pain assessment and management. The application of the content occurs in both a second-year problem based learning course and in the third year outside a traditional clerkship. In addition, the process of development of the Web site illustrates how a medical student can effectively translate content into a highly interactive tutorial.
PRIMARY AUTHOR'S
INFORMATION
Kathryn L. Lovell
Office of Academic Programs
A254 Life Sciences
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Telephone Number: 517-353-5440 x221
Fax Number: 517-432-1051
E-mail Address: lovell@msu.edu
CO-AUTHORS'
INFORMATION
Karen S. Ogle
Heather Zaluski
Dept. of Family Practice
B110 Clinical Center
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Telephone Number(s): (517) 353-0772 ext
449
Fax Number(s): (517) 355-7700
E-mail Address(es):