Real patient learning integrated in a preclinical block musculoskeletal disorders. Does it make a difference?
Summary of "Real patient learning integrated in a preclinical block musculoskeletal disorders. Does it make a difference?"
Although musculoskeletal disorders are the most common reason for general practitioner visits, training did not keep pace. Implementation of learning from patients with rheumatologic disorders linked together with the teaching of theoretical knowledge in the preclinical medical education might be an important step forward in the improvement of quality of care for these patients. The Leiden Medical School curriculum has implemented two non-obligatory real patient learning (RPL) practicals integrated within the preclinical block musculoskeletal disorders. This study investigates the educational effectiveness of the practicals, the expectations students have of RPL, and students' satisfaction. Participants' grades on the end-of-block test served as the test results of the educational effectiveness of the practicals and were compared with those of the non-participants. Qualitative data was collected by means of questionnaires generated by focus groups. The participants in practicals scored significantly higher at the end-of-block test. The expected effects of the contact with real patients concerned positive effects on cognition and skills. 'Contextualizing of the theory', 'better memorizing of clinical pictures', and 'understanding of the impact of the disease' were the most frequently mentioned effects of the practicals. Overall, the participants were (very) enthusiastic about this educational format. The RPL practicals integrated within a preclinical block musculoskeletal disorders are a valuable addition to the Leiden medical curriculum. This relatively limited intervention exhibits a strong effect on students' performance in tests. Future research should be directed towards the long-term effects of this intervention.
Affiliation
Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Clinical rheumatology
ISSN: 1434-9949
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21347603
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1708-3
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
Preclinical testing of drugs in experimental animals or in vitro for their biological and toxic effects and potential clinical applications.
Factitious Disorders
Disorders characterized by physical or psychological symptoms that are not real, genuine, or natural.
Autonomic Nerve Block
Interruption of sympathetic pathways, by local injection of an anesthetic agent, at any of four levels: peripheral nerve block, sympathetic ganglion block, extradural block, and subarachnoid block.
Models, Educational
Theoretical models which propose methods of learning or teaching as a basis or adjunct to changes in attitude or behavior. These educational interventions are usually applied in the fields of health and patient education but are not restricted to patient care.
Residential Treatment
A specialized residential treatment program for behavior disorders including substance abuse. It may include therapeutically planned group living and learning situations including teaching of adaptive skills to help patient functioning in the community. (From Kahn, A. P. and Fawcett, J. Encyclopedia of Mental Health, 1993, p320.)
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