A randomized trial of teaching clinical skills using virtual and live standardized patients. J Gen Intern Med 2006 May;21(5):424-9
Date
05/18/2006Pubmed ID
16704382Pubmed Central ID
PMC1484797DOI
10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00421.xScopus ID
2-s2.0-33745656802 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 141 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: We developed computer-based virtual patient (VP) cases to complement an interactive continuing medical education (CME) course that emphasizes skills practice using standardized patients (SP). Virtual patient simulations have the significant advantages of requiring fewer personnel and resources, being accessible at any time, and being highly standardized. Little is known about the educational effectiveness of these new resources. We conducted a randomized trial to assess the educational effectiveness of VPs and SPs in teaching clinical skills.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of VP cases when compared with live SP cases in improving clinical skills and knowledge.
DESIGN: Randomized trial.
PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-five health care providers (registered nurses 45%, physicians 15%, other provider types 40%) who attended a CME program.
INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to receive either 4 live cases (n=32) or 2 live and 2 virtual cases (n=23). Other aspects of the course were identical for both groups.
RESULTS: Participants in both groups were equivalent with respect to pre-post workshop improvement in comfort level (P=.66) and preparedness to respond (P=.61), to screen (P=.79), and to care (P=.055) for patients using the skills taught. There was no difference in subjective ratings of effectiveness of the VPs and SPs by participants who experienced both (P=.79). Improvement in diagnostic abilities were equivalent in groups who experienced cases either live or virtually.
CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in performance and diagnostic ability were equivalent between the groups and participants rated VP and SP cases equally. Including well-designed VPs has a potentially powerful and efficient place in clinical skills training for practicing health care workers.
Author List
Triola M, Feldman H, Kalet AL, Zabar S, Kachur EK, Gillespie C, Anderson M, Griesser C, Lipkin MAuthor
Adina L. Kalet MD Institute Director, Professor in the Kern Institute for Transforming Medical Education department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultClinical Competence
Computer Simulation
Diagnosis
Disasters
Education, Medical, Continuing
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Simulation
Physical Examination
Teaching
User-Computer Interface