USE OF ELECTRONIC CLINICAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM TO ENHANCE EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE IN SURGICAL CURRICULUM  

** Poster Award Nominee

R.M. Walsh*, N. Mehta, S. Preztak, Departments of General Surgery and General Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44195 U.S.A.

Purpose

The incorporation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles into a clinical curriculum remains practically challenging.  Aspects that would heighten student resonance with EBM principles include direct application of data in the ongoing management of patients the student has encountered, are based on student identified gaps in knowledge, and a system where the student independently researches the topic and provided with feedback.

Methods

A new clinical assessment system has been developed which allows for faculty feedback on specific patient encounters.  The system is web-based which promotes independent and convenient student and faculty access.  EBM is incorporated into the surgical rotation by having the student identify a specific aspect from the outpatient clinical encounter that needs to be investigated; the “Learning Objective.”  The student independently researches the Learning Objective and submits a referenced summary of their learning in the “Comments” section of the student-patient encounter log.  This log with the completed learning objective is accessible to the faculty when the student submits a request for evaluation.  Faculty assessment is based on the appropriate competency, and both the completed learning objective and assessment are available for insertion into the student portfolio.

Results

Students readily identify areas of weakness worthy of further investigation.  The system is valuable in extending the learning opportunity from each clinical encounter, and specifically helps students better prepare for the planned surgical intervention.  Student initiative and faculty development are important aspects that require improvement. 

Conclusions

Learning and assessment can be effectively linked by a web-based system.  EBM can be truly utilized in a clinical surgery curriculum.