Self-Learning Module (SLM): Insomnia—An Interactive Learning Module

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The Clinical Simulation Initiative in Psychiatry for medical students is a collaborative, multi-institutional effort to develop web-based self-learning modules (SLMs) through a peer-reviewed pedagogical approach. This SLM on insomnia is intended as a clinical application exercise for third-year medical students who have not encountered a patient with insomnia or who want to increase their clinical understanding of how to communicate with and help patients who present with insomnia complaints. Methods This SLM utilizes Articulate software; it can be viewed on any computer, and the student can navigate at will through the resource. Video clips demonstrate the evolution of a clinical case from presentation to follow-up over 6-8 weeks. The focus is on differential diagnosis and management, with intermittent self-assessment quizzes and other evidence-based literature for further study. Results This SLM on insomnia has been implemented at the University of Toronto and was offered as an option for learning as part of the psychiatry clerkship starting in September 2013. It has also been reviewed by three sleep specialists and psychiatrists. Written and verbal feedback from faculty (n = 3) and students (n = 3) has been very positive. Discussion Based on the student and faculty feedback, the length of the module was shortened, the quizzes were adjusted to reflect the level of training of third-year medical students, the references were updated, and some of the content was modified to make it clearer and easier to understand for the nonspecialist.

Keywords

• Insomnia
• ADMSEP Clinical Simulation
• Clinical Assessment
• Self-Learning Module
• Clerkship Curriculum
• APA