MULTIMEDIA COMPUTER-ASSISTED-INSTRUCTION IN CARDIOLOGY

Background: Medical education faces problems caused by increasing rest raints on resources. A multicenter consortium combined simulation and multimedia computer-assisted instruction (MCAI) to develop unique inte ractive teaching programs that can address a number of these problems. We describe the consortium, the MCAI system, the programs, and a mult icenter evaluation of technical and educational performance. Methods: The MCAI system uses computer-controlled access to full-screen, full-m otion, and full-color laser disc video in combination with digitized s ound, images, and graphics stored on removable media. The Socratic tea ching method enhances interaction and guides learners through the pati ent's history, cardiovascular physical examination, laboratory evaluat ion, and therapy. Self-instruction and instructor-led modes of functio n are possible. The first five programs, based on simulations of speci fic cardiology problems, were distributed to four medical centers. Que stionnaires evaluated technical function and medical student opinions, while behaviors and scores were automatically tracked and tabulated b y program administration software. Results: The MCAI system functioned reliably and accurately in all modes and at all sites. The programs w ere highly rated. Student ratings, scores, and behaviors were independ ent of institution and mode of use. Conclusion: A multicenter educatio nal consortium developed a system to produce unique, sophisticated MCA I programs in cardiology. Both system and programs functioned reliably at four institutions and were highly rated by fourth-year medical stu dents. With this enthusiastic reception, the economies an strengths as sociated with MCAI make it an attractive solution to a number of probl em areas, and it will likely play an increasingly important role.