Patient management problems in general practice using a medical journal for self-assessment exercises

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Medical Audit

Background:

• A Norwegian medical journal published patient management problems to engage physicians.
• Physicians responded anonymously via mail, comparing their decisions to colleagues' responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel method for assessing and comparing physician diagnostic skills and clinical management.
• To provide a supplementary tool for continuing medical education.

Main Methods:

• Six patient management problems with case histories were distributed.
• Physicians used a 5-point rating scale to respond to case-related statements.
• Responses were anonymously mailed, with results published in subsequent issues.

Main Results:

• 406 responses were received from 243 participants, including 210 general practitioners.
• The study provided histograms and mean ratings for peer comparison.
• The method allowed for the quantification of clinical decisions.

Conclusions:

• The mail-based problem-solving approach was well-received by physicians.
• This method can serve as a valuable tool for medical audit and continuing medical education.