Abstract
In this study we explore how students' use of an easily accessible and searchable database affects their performance in clinical simulations. We do this by comparing performance of students with and without database access and compare these to a sample of faculty members. The literature supports the fact that interactive information resources can augment a clinician's problem solving ability in small clinical vignettes. We have taken the INQUIRER bacteriological database, containing detailed information on 63 medically important bacteria in 33 structured fields, and incorporated it into a computer-based clinical simulation. Subjects worked through the case-based clinical simulations with some having access to the INQUIRER information resource. Performance metrics were based on correct determination of the etiologic agent in the simulation and crosstabulated with student access of the information resource; more specifically it was determined whether the student displayed the database record describing the etiologic agent. Chi-square tests show statistical significance for this relationship (chi 2 = 3.922; p = 0.048). Results support the idea that students with database access in a clinical simulation environment can perform at a higher level than their counterparts who lack access to such information, reflecting favorably on the use of information resources in training environments.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Curtis K. L., Weller A. C., Hurd J. M. Information-seeking behavior of health sciences faculty: the impact of new information technologies. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1997 Oct;85(4):402–410. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Friedman C. P., de Bliek R., Gilmer J. S., Twarog R. G., File D. D. Influence of a computer database and problem exercises on students' knowledge of bacteriology. Acad Med. 1992 May;67(5):332–338. doi: 10.1097/00001888-199205000-00013. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Verhoeven A. A., Boerma E. J., Meyboom-de Jong B. Use of information sources by family physicians: a literature survey. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1995 Jan;83(1):85–90. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Wood F. B., Wallingford K. T., Siegel E. R. Transitioning to the Internet: results of a National Library of Medicine user survey. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1997 Oct;85(4):331–340. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- de Bliek R., Friedman C. P., Wildemuth B. M., Martz J. M., Twarog R. G., File D. Information retrieved from a database and the augmentation of personal knowledge. J Am Med Inform Assoc. 1994 Jul-Aug;1(4):328–338. doi: 10.1136/jamia.1994.95236168. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]