Medical teacher
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Case-based learning (CBL) is a long established pedagogical method, which is defined in a number of ways depending on the discipline and type of 'case' employed. In health professional education, learning activities are commonly based on patient cases. Basic, social and clinical sciences are studied in relation to the case, are integrated with clinical presentations and conditions (including health and ill-health) and student learning is, therefore, associated with real-life situations. Although many claims are made for CBL as an effective learning and teaching method, very little evidence is quoted or generated to support these claims. We frame this review from the perspective of CBL as a type of inquiry-based learning. ⋯ Overwhelmingly, students enjoy CBL and think that it enhances their learning. The empirical data taken as a whole are inconclusive as to the effects on learning compared with other types of activity. Teachers enjoy CBL, partly because it engages, and is perceived to motivate, students. CBL seems to foster learning in small groups though whether this is the case delivery or the group learning effect is unclear.
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The purpose of this Guide is to provide both logical and empirical evidence for medical teachers to improve their objective tests by appropriate interpretation of post-examination analysis. This requires a description and explanation of some basic statistical and psychometric concepts derived from both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) such as: descriptive statistics, explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Generalisability Theory and Rasch modelling. CTT is concerned with the overall reliability of a test whereas IRT can be used to identify the behaviour of individual test items and how they interact with individual student abilities. We have provided the reader with practical examples clarifying the use of these frameworks in test development and for research purposes.
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Due to the increasing complexity of medical education and practice, the preparation of healthcare professionals for leadership roles and responsibilities has become increasingly important. To date, the literature on faculty development designed to promote leadership in medical education has not been reviewed in a systematic fashion. ⋯ Participants value leadership development activities and report changes in attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior. Moreover, despite methodological limitations, certain program characteristics seem to be associated with positive outcomes. Further research is required to explore these associations and document changes at both the individual and organizational level.
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Musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints make up 12-20% of primary health visits and are a source of significant expenditures and morbidity. Despite this, MSK examination is an area of weakness among practising physicians. Several studies have highlighted the need for increased MSK physical exam teaching. However, increased teaching time alone does not guarantee improvement in these skills. Thus, we aimed to identify interventions that are effective in promoting transfer of MSK clinical skills. ⋯ This study supports the use of different instructional methods that engage learners and provide meaningful learning contexts. The majority of the studies support patient educators and interactive small group teaching.
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Changing teamwork climate in healthcare through a collective shift in attitudes and values may be a necessary precursor to establishing a positive teamwork culture, where innovations can be more readily embedded and sustained. A complex educational intervention was initiated across an entire UK Trust's surgical provision, and then sustained. Attitudes towards teamwork were measured longitudinally to examine if the intervention produced sustainable results. ⋯ Longitudinal positive change in attitudes and values towards teamwork can be sustained, suggesting that a deliberate, designed complex intervention can shape a safety climate as a necessary prerequisite for the establishment of a sustainable safety culture.