A Pilot Study of Computer-Based Simulation Training for Enhancing Family Medicine Residents' Competence in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction in Healthcare
• Clinical Informatics

Background:

• Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are integral to modern healthcare.
• Effective integration of EMRs into patient-physician interactions remains a challenge for clinicians.
• Simulation-based training offers a potential solution for improving EMR usability skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a prototype computer-based simulation designed to enhance residents' EMR integration skills.
• To assess the usability, acceptability, and effectiveness of the simulation in a family medicine residency program.

Main Methods:

• Usability testing with non-clinician students.
• Pilot study involving 16 family medicine residents.
• Pre- and post-test surveys measuring competencies and attitudes, 'think aloud' observations, and acceptability ratings.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in residents' EMR-related competencies (p=0.023).
• Attitudes towards EMR use also improved, though not significantly.
• High perceived usefulness (3.81/5) and ease of use (4.10/5) of the simulation were reported.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based simulation is a potentially effective and acceptable tool for training residents in EMR use.
• Identified areas for improvement include EMR interactivity and shared decision-making features.
• Simulation offers a promising avenue for enhancing clinical informatics skills among medical trainees.