Author/Editor     Sobočan, Monika; Turk, Neja; Dinevski, Dejan; Hojs, Radovan; Pečovnik-Balon, Breda
Title     Problem-based learning in internal medicine
Type     članek
Vol. and No.     Letnik 47, št. 1
Publication year     2017
Volume     str. 99-103
ISSN     1444-0903 - Internal medicine journal
Language     eng
Abstract     Background Teaching using paper problem-based learning (p-PBL) sessions has left some students fatigued with the learning process. Therefore, attempts have been made to replace p-PBL with digitally enhanced, decision-making PBL in the form of virtual patients (VPs). Student enthusiasm for substituting p-PBL with VPs has not been quantitatively evaluated on the intended educational effects. Aim To determine the educational effects of substituting p-PBL sessions with VPs on undergraduate medical students in their internal medicine course. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled study on 34 third-year undergraduate medical students in the academic year 2015-2016. Student performance after an intervention substituting p-PBL sessions with VPs was analyzed. The educational outcomes were measured with knowledge exams and the Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI). Results There was no difference in exam performance between groups (p>0.833) immediately after the intervention, or in long term. Nor was there a significant difference in improvement of diagnostic thinking between groups (p>0.935 and p>0.320). Conclusions Our study showed no significant improvement in diagnostic thinking abilities or knowledge exam results with the use of virtual patients. Educators can add VPs to sessions to motivate students, but a significant improvement to educational outcome should not be expected.
Keywords     obravnava pacienta
diagnostika
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