Evaluation of a Diagnostic Reasoning Program (DxR): Exploring Student Perceptions and Addressing Faculty Concerns

• Main Authors: Deborah A. Bryce, Nicholas J. King, Celia F. Graebner, J. Hurley Myers
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ubiquity Press 1998-05-01
• Series: Journal of Interactive Media in Education
• Subjects: problem solving; pilot evaluation; medical education; clinical reasoning
• Online Access: https://jime.open.ac.uk/articles/15

Abstract: Clinical reasoning is essentially a problem-solving process, in which medical students must learn to gather and interpret data, generate hypotheses and make decisions. To develop skills in problem-solving it is argued that students need more tools, rather than more answers (<!-- D3E begin insert --><A HREF="references.html#MASYS(1989)" TARGET="reference" NAME="citation0"><!-- D3E end insert -->Masys, 1989<!-- D3E begin insert --></A><!-- D3E end insert -->). DxR is a computerised case series, in which students use 'doctor tools' to investigate a patient problem. This report describes a pilot evaluation of DxR in fourth year medicine at the University of Sydney. It addresses faculty concerns regarding the program, explores student perceptions, and looks at the capacity of the program to stimulate and support the development of clinical reasoning skills. It finally discusses possibilities for using DxR to support learning in medicine. Reviewers: Stig Andersen (Virtual Centre for Health Informatics, Aalborg, DK), David Good (U. Cambridge), Timothy Koschmann (U. Colorado) Interactive elements: 'Details are provided for obtaining a DxR demonstration CD.' <IMG ALIGN=top SRC="../../resources/icons/demo.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="Demos"> DxR is distributed by <A HREF="http://www.meded.pharma.us.novartis.com/" TARGET="xref">NOVARTIS</A>, although the DxR cases described in this article are not the same as those listed in the <A HREF="http://www.meded.pharma.us.novartis.com/diagnos/reason.htm" TARGET="xref">Diagnosis</A> category of their bookshop/website. A Macromedia Director demonstration of DxR can be obtained by contacting Tanaya Patel, Project Director, DxR Development Group (<A HREF="mailto:[e-mail]">[e-mail]</A>). Alternatively, a demonstration CD, and complimentary catalogue of patient cases and price list can be obtained by calling 800-631-1181 (USA).