A new way to integrate clinically relevant technology into small-group teaching

Medical educators need to teach learners to efficiently access the best available evidence at the point of care and apply it in a patient-centered manner. As information becomes more readily available via the Internet and handheld computers, strategies to use these tools as part of the educational process become more important. New teaching skills are needed when attempting to seamlessly introduce technology into small-group settings in the midst of blending old and new teaching methods. The authors' development of a conceptual model known as "e-microskills" at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2002 has facilitated the smooth integration of technology into teaching. This model's cornerstone is direct empowerment of learners during small-group sessions to perform observed searches for the best medical evidence on the Internet and with handheld computer resources. This is done in the context of a mnemonic, PEARL: (1) Choose a "Preplanned search intervention"; (2) allow learners to "Execute the search," thus committing themselves; (3) "Allow learners to teach other learners" about their search process; (4) "Review the quality of evidence" for the information found; and (5) discuss "Lessons of the search." Additional features of this teaching model include ground rules for teaching with technology that optimizes teaching time by reducing anticipated obstacles. The rules add structure in an otherwise impromptu setting thus maximizing the teachable moment. While "e-microskills" are described here within the context of a third-year family medicine clerkship, they can easily be adapted to other small-group teaching settings.