New techniques in the construction of patient-management problems

A structured interview was tested as a means of constructing patient management problems (PMPs). Three paediatric cardiologists and three medical students were each interviewed separately to collect information to construct PMPs. Four PMPs--two devised by cardiologists and two by students--were constructed. The PMPs were administered to other doctors and medical students. No difference in performance or user reaction were found between the PMPs authored by doctors or those by students. We believe PMPs can be developed by a time-saving technique of a structured interview, and that senior medical students can provide a reservoir for realistic PMPs.