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The replacement of 'paper' cases by interactive online virtual patients in problem-based learning
Terry Poulton1, Emily Conradi, Sheetal Kavia
1St George's, University of London, UK. tpoulton@sgul.ac.uk
Medical Teacher
|October 9, 2009
Summary
Interactive virtual patients (VPs) enhance medical education by allowing students to explore decision consequences. Both students and tutors preferred VPs with options, highlighting the value of interactive learning in medical training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Digital Health
- Pedagogy
Background:
- St George's University of London (SGUL) utilizes a traditional paper-based Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum for its undergraduate medicine program.
- Paper-based cases are inherently linear, limiting students' ability to explore decision-making consequences.
- Interactive online virtual patients (VPs) were developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and student engagement of interactive online virtual patients (VPs) compared to traditional paper-based cases.
- To assess the impact of decision options and consequences within VPs on the learning experience.
- To gather feedback from both students and tutors on the integration of VPs into the medical curriculum.
Main Methods:
- A Problem-Based Learning (PBL) module was converted into interactive online virtual patients (VPs).
- 72 undergraduate medical students across 10 tutorial groups participated in the study.
- Two conditions were tested: VPs with options and consequences, and VPs without options.
Main Results:
- Both tutors and students found the VPs with options and consequences to be more engaging.
- The interactive nature of VPs encouraged deeper exploration of learning by students.
- Participants perceived no value in online cases presented without interactive options and consequences, expressing a preference for the interactive elements over traditional paper formats.
Conclusions:
- Interactive virtual patients (VPs) with decision options and consequences significantly enhance student engagement and learning exploration in medical education.
- The integration of interactive VPs is more beneficial than simply digitizing traditional cases without interactive features.
- SGUL is adapting its curriculum to integrate technology-based resources with face-to-face learning for a more personalized, competency-based approach.
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