MedEdPORTAL (Apr 2007)
An Emergency Department Patient With a Knee Dislocation
Abstract
Abstract Intro This educational resource provides the information and materials for a problem-based learning case (PBL) suitable for medical students or physician assistant students during the preclinical portion of training. This case is currently in use as part of a small-group course during the first year of medical education that focuses on group problem solving, self-directed learning, and clinical correlations to basic science learning. Methods This PBL case highlights the anatomy of the lower extremity and is appropriate for use in medical education during the curricular activities focusing on the musculoskeletal system. Using the emergency department as the clinical setting, students are encouraged to brainstorm about potential injuries to anatomic structures of the leg in the framework of systematically evaluating a trauma patient with a knee dislocation. Elements of this case are based on a real patient encounter. Results Experience from the recent use of this case with 115 students in small groups has already led to editing of case components for increased clarity and flow of the scenario. Facilitators are not expected to be content experts on the materials presented each week, but instead are present to assist the students in working through each case and determining their own group learning issues for individual student reading during the week. Discussion This case was designed for use during the portion of the curriculum where students are studying the anatomy and physiology of the lower extremity. Elements of the case are intended to stimulate discussion about basic anatomic topics and how they relate to clinical medicine. In addition, students are introduced to some basic concepts of clinical decision-making and patient care. These materials may be modified for use at other institutions with appropriate citation.
Keywords
