MedEdPORTAL (Dec 2006)
An Approach to Teaching Medical Students Evidence-Based Medicine and Basic Research Concepts
Abstract
Abstract Introduction The emergency department (ED) is the primary teaching site for emergency medicine residency training programs where the diversity of patients' medical needs provides learners with a unique opportunity to participate in clinical research. We created this course to introduce EM residents to the fundamentals of research and evidence-based medicine (EBM) to help them explore a future career in clinical research, but also to equip them to be lifelong learners. EBM is the integration of evidence, experience, and values into clinical decision-making and enables clinicians to become informed consumers of the medical literature. Methods This publication includes four narrated video lectures on the basic concepts of EBM that students review at their own convenience. At our institution the review of these videos is followed by a test to evaluate the knowledge gain. These videos are part of a larger course wherein students (1) receive lectures on basic clinical research principles and research ethics, (2) complete the Human Subjects Protection test, and (3) participate in 15 four-hour shifts in the ED enrolling patients into clinical research studies. Results The students' evaluations of the course indicate that they value the experience. Participants state that they are much more comfortable with the basic concepts and vocabulary of EBM. They also indicate that they are not only more comfortable with the basic concepts of research methodology but also with the challenges and rewards of clinical research. Discussion This course provides an opportunity for medical students to become familiar with the basic skills needed to efficiently and effectively evaluate medical literature (a vital piece of practice-based learning). In addition, it exposes students to clinical research in their medical school careers and sparks interest for future involvement.
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