The impact of a personal digital assistant (PDA) case log in a medical student clerkship

Medical education literature emphasizes that reflection and self-audit are pivotal steps in learning and that personal digital assistants (PDAs) have potential as decision support tools.

The purpose was to examine the efficacy of PDA-based resources and patient-encounter logging systems among 3rd-year medical clerks during pediatrics rotations.

Students in rotations were assigned to control (using paper-based logs and references) or intervention groups (using PDA-based logs and resources). Students completed pre- and postrotation Paediatrics Competency Surveys, participated in focus groups, and were compared on year-end examination grades. Use of PDA logs far outweighed that of paper logs (1,020 PDA logs and 87 paper logs). PDA logs were ranked significantly higher in enhancing learning and reflection than paper logs (t = 2.52, p < .01). PDA logs also facilitated specific learning experiences.

PDA-based patient-encounter logs appear to be effective case documentation and reflection tools. The difference in number of logs between control and intervention groups demonstrates the utility of the PDA for "point-of-care" patient logging.