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Software engineering in medical informatics: the academic hospital as learning environment
H Prins1, R Cornet, F M van den Berg
1Dept. of Medical Informatics, Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|October 6, 2004
Summary
A revised software engineering course in medical informatics enhanced student learning through a problem-based approach. The curriculum integrated internship, theory, and projects, leading to more engaged and realistic skill development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Software Engineering Education
Background:
- The Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, revised its Software Engineering course in 2001.
- The course is part of the Medical Informatics curriculum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a revised, problem-oriented Software Engineering course.
- To assess the effectiveness of integrating internship, theory, and project components.
Main Methods:
- A 13-week, full-time course combining internship, theory, and project work.
- Problem-based learning approach with a focus on practical skills.
- Student evaluation through inquiry.
Main Results:
- Students dedicated more time and distributed it more evenly throughout the course.
- A hospital-based internship and project offered greater value than a computer lab practical.
- Integration of theory, clinical practice, and problem-based learning fostered enthusiastic learning.
Conclusions:
- The revised Software Engineering course effectively enhanced student learning in Medical Informatics.
- The problem-based, integrated approach provides a realistic and engaging educational experience.
- This curriculum may encourage students to pursue software engineering in healthcare as a profession.