Challenges and Motivators in the Development of a Web-Based Educational Tool for Undergraduate Clinical Skills Teaching

Challenges and Motivators in the Development of a Web-Based Educational Tool for Undergraduate Clinical Skills Teaching

 

Collan Simmons, Joyce Nyhof-Young, Errol Colak, Hance Clarke, John Bradley Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto & University Health Network, Toronto Ontario, Canada

 

ABSTRACT:

 

A need to update and standardize clinical teaching methods was identified as part of ongoing evaluation of the first year course, the Art and Science of Clinical Medicine (ASCM). An Intranet site to assist with the development history taking and physical examination skills was created over two years. Significant challenges and barriers were faced during site development. To formally assess these issues, focus groups and interviews with key players were conducted to identify the positive and negative forces in the development process. Positive factors included: use of medical students, team motivation, and the suitability of the project to the medium. Negative factors included: limited financial and technical resources, and lack of centralized policy making. Our experience in these matters is not unique and discussion of these topics will facilitate creation of future projects.

 

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:

 

An Intranet site to assist with the development of history taking and physical examination skills was created over two years. Focus groups and interviews with key players were conducted to identify positive and negative forces in the development process. Positive factors included use of medical students, team motivation, and the suitability of the project to the medium. Negative factors included: limited financial and technical resources, and lack of centralized policy making. Our experience in these matters is not unique and discussion of these topics will facilitate creation of future projects.

 

 

Collan Simmons

c/o Dr. Joyce Nyhof-Young

5-312, 610 University Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9

Phone: 416-946-4501 X5838

Fax: 416-946-4442

collan.simmons@utoronto.ca

 

CO-AUTHORS:

Joyce Nyhof-Young

5-312, 610 University Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9

Phone: 416-946-4501X5838

Fax: 416-946-4442

Email: mailto:joyce.nyhof-young@uhn.on.ca