INTEGRATED CASE-STUDIES AND MEDICAL DECISION-MAKING - A NOVEL, COMPUTER-ASSISTED BRIDGE FROM THE BASIC SCIENCES TO THE CLINICS

This article describes a novel course that was designed to bridge the gap between the basic science years and clinical experiences in medica l school by using information science and computer technology as major components of problem-based teaming (PBL) sessions. The course, Integ rated Case Studies and Medical Decision Making, was first given to sec ond-year students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine i n the spring of 1994. It consists of 13 PBL exercises, each of which e xplores a clinical case. The cases, including images and gated access to information, are housed on a computer. Using one of 16 networked te rminals in specially designed small-group rooms, groups of nine studen ts progress through the cases with a faculty facilitator. The response s of students and faculty to the initial year of the course were favor able. In comparison with traditional PBL sessions, enhanced quality of and access to images and accountability for accessing case informatio n in sequential fashion were cited as major strengths of the course. J uxtaposition of basic science and clinical material and utility in rev iewing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination were also c ited as strengths. The diversity of the basic science material involve d in completing the cases drew overwhelming enthusiasm from students a nd facilitators alike. In conclusion, the course successfully employs computer and information science technology, which will be of increasi ng importance to future physicians. The course also serves as an effec tive bridge to the clinical years of medical school and as a study adj unct for the USMLE.