Using case methods effectively in clinical medicine

This paper reviews the potential advantages of using case methods in clinical medicine, focusing on paediatric medicine as an example. Case methods describe possible approaches based on realistic case material which allow the teaching-learning process to proceed. Cases may be used to illustrate a disease or, alternatively, the care of the patient with the disease. It is possible to observe and demonstrate data collection, appropriate interviewing, examination and interpersonal skills. The clinician may take on a role model for the students to emulate, his pastoral role increasing as he gets to know his students better. It is essential that the clinician observe and verbalize the diagnostic and clinical decision-making processes of the students or himself. Case methods may not always provide complete data for each area under consideration, and on occasions the clinician may not be fully conversant with the content of the problem at hand. Students would need to learn how to function in such situations, being set specific learning tasks to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. The case material thereby provides a focus to problem-based learning.