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

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Informatics
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Medical educators must equip learners with skills to access and apply evidence at the point of care.
• Increasing availability of digital information necessitates new teaching strategies for technology integration.
• Blending traditional and new teaching methods requires novel pedagogical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe the e-microskills conceptual model for integrating technology in medical education.
• To detail the PEARL mnemonic and its application in facilitating evidence retrieval.
• To present strategies for optimizing technology use in small-group teaching settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of the e-microskills model at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
• Implementation of the PEARL mnemonic: Preplanned search, Execute search, Allow learners to teach, Review quality, Lessons learned.
• Establishment of ground rules for effective technology integration in teaching sessions.

Main Results:

• The e-microskills model facilitates seamless technology integration into teaching.
• Learner empowerment in performing observed Internet and handheld computer searches for medical evidence.
• Structured approach enhances efficiency and maximizes teachable moments in small-group settings.

Conclusions:

• The e-microskills model, using the PEARL mnemonic, effectively integrates technology into medical education.
• This approach empowers learners to access and critically evaluate medical evidence.
• The model is adaptable to various small-group teaching environments beyond family medicine clerkships.