Pediatric Call

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This is an interactive module tool for third-year medical students rotating through Pediatrics. The objective of this tool is to allow students to experience clinical situations that are required but which may not be available during the relatively short period of their pediatric clerkship. Methods The virtual pediatric rounds contained within this program are directed by a digital three-dimensional character which plays the role of an attending physician. Students are asked by this character to visit different areas within the hospital where they encounter patients with different medical conditions. Every clinical scenario includes a chief complaint, medical history, and findings on physical exam. All are presented utilizing multimedia. When necessary, laboratory information is provided by another virtual character posing as a laboratory assistant who discusses the specific laboratory results with the students. Results The effectiveness of this teaching tool was evaluated at the University of South Alabama in 2004. Improvement in the diagnosis, treatment, and procedures related to entities presented in the module was significant (p < 0.01) after completion of the program. Discussion The use of this program is associated with knowledge-base improvement in the diagnosis, treatment, and procedures related to disease conditions discussed within this educational tool. This program enhances education during the pediatric clerkship and it is easy to use.

Keywords

• Computer-Assisted Instruction
• Diagnostic Tests
• Laboratory