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Biomedical subjects

M Bearman

Publications and source records attributed to M Bearman.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Random comparison of 'virtual patient' models in the context of teaching clinical communication skills.

AIMS: Two types of virtual patient designs can be distinguished: a 'narrative' structure and a 'problem-solving' structure. This study compares the same virtual patient with two different structures within the domain of communication skills. METHODS: Two virtual patients were constructed around the same case, one emphasizing a narrative and one a problem-solving model. Use of these packages was trialled with undergraduate medical students over 2 years. Students were randomly assigned to tutorials using the virtual patients, and their communication skills were compared with baseline performance by a separate group. Outcome was assessed by evaluation of an interview with a simulated patient. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the three groups in overall communication skills. However there was a significant improvement in the communication skills of the narrative group when compared only with the problem-solving group. Additionally, various aspects of communication skills, such as use of open-ended questions and appropriate language, showed significant differences between the three groups. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence to support the value of a narrative design for virtual patients which are to be used to teach communication skills, which encourages further investigation.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Comparing student attitudes to different models of the same virtual patient.

AIMS: Two types of virtual patient designs can be distinguished - a 'narrative' structure and a 'problem-solving' structure (1). This study assesses attitudes of students with respect to learning communication skills via a virtual patient; and compares acceptability of the two different types of virtual patient designs. METHODS: Two virtual patients were constructed around the same case, each emphasising a narrative or problem-solving model. Undergraduate medical students used the simulations as part of a communication skills program. A computer-based survey was used to assess attitude. RESULTS: There was general acceptance of the use of the computer-based simulated patient. Students who generally performed better at communication skills, were more positive towards the virtual patient. There was no quantitative difference in acceptability between the two designs, but there were clear qualitative differences. CONCLUSIONS: While students were moderately positive about both simulations, qualitative data indicated that their were clear differences in attitude between the two different designs.

Attitude to Computers↗
PubMed1998

Methodology for developing educational hypermedia systems.

Hypermedia has the potential to greatly enhance teaching. It can, however, be difficult to develop hyperdocuments which provide medical students with the full benefit of the technology. We wish to resolve this problem by providing a methodology for creating educational hypermedia systems with specific emphasis on the medical domain, but applicable across disciplines. This paper examines some of the specific issues involved in educational hypermedia, and outlines a series of practical guidelines, drawing together the disparate disciplines necessary to the development process. We illustrate the methodology with our own experience in creating and updating the HIV Hypermedia Medical Education Software over a period of two years.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1995

Designing interfaces for medical information management systems.

Poor interface design has adversely affected the integration of technology into medical environments. This paper discusses the importance of good interface design in medical information management systems. We will illustrate the advantages of approaching interface design in a user-centered manner, by describing the interface design process of the Curriculum Database for the Faculty of Medicine, Monash University. We believe that a consultative design process can make the difference between software success and failure.

Attitude to Computers↗