Virtual Interactive Case-Based Education (VICE): A Conference for Deliberate Practice of Diagnostic Reasoning

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Internal Medicine
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Current medical education often lacks sufficient deliberate practice for diagnostic reasoning.
• Cognitive biases can negatively impact differential diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an educational conference for internal medicine residents focused on deliberate practice of diagnostic reasoning.
• To explore the impact of cognitive biases on differential diagnoses through cognitive autopsies.

Main Methods:

• A Virtual Interactive Case-Based Education (VICE) conference was designed as a 30-minute clinical problem-solving exercise.
• An active facilitation model was used to promote psychological safety and focus on the diagnostic process.
• The conference was delivered via an internet-based platform with screen-sharing capabilities.

Main Results:

• 97% of residents found the VICE conference novel and valuable.
• Positive feedback highlighted the practice of diagnostic reasoning, single-discussant format, and supportive environment.
• Residents preferred the virtual format over an in-person session.

Conclusions:

• Internal medicine residents strongly value deliberate practice in diagnostic reasoning within a safe, virtual setting.
• The VICE conference effectively provides a psychologically safe environment for practicing case-based reasoning.
• The virtual nature of the conference significantly enhanced the learning experience.