BMC medical education
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BMC medical education · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialAssessment of knowledge retention and the value of proctored ultrasound exams after the introduction of an emergency ultrasound curriculum.
Optimal training required for proficiency in bedside ultrasound is unknown. In addition, the value of proctored training is often assumed but has never been quantified. ⋯ We conclude that significant improvement in knowledge persists six months after a standard introductory ultrasound course, and incorporating proctored ultrasound training into an emergency ultrasound curriculum may yield even higher knowledge retention.
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BMC medical education · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyDevelopment and evaluation of a cultural competency training curriculum.
Increasing the cultural competence of physicians and other health care providers has been suggested as one mechanism for reducing health disparities by improving the quality of care across racial/ethnic groups. While cultural competency training for physicians is increasingly promoted, relatively few studies evaluating the impact of training have been published. ⋯ The lack of measurable impact of physician training on patient-reported and disease-specific outcomes in the current has several possible explanations, including the relatively limited nature of the intervention. We hope that the current study will help provide a basis for future studies, using more intensive interventions with different provider groups.
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BMC medical education · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison between Long-Menu and Open-Ended Questions in computerized medical assessments. A randomized controlled trial.
Long-menu questions (LMQs) are viewed as an alternative method for answering open-ended questions (OEQs) in computerized assessment. So far this question type and its influence on examination scores have not been studied sufficiently. However, the increasing use of computerized assessments will also lead to an increasing use of this question type. Using a summative online key feature (KF) examination we evaluated whether LMQs can be compared with OEQs in regard to the level of difficulty, performance and response times. We also evaluated the content for its suitability for LMQs. ⋯ LMQs and OEQs do not differ significantly. Compared to standard multiple-choice questions (MCQs), the response time for LMQs and OEQs is longer. This is probably due to the fact that they require active problem solving skills and more practice. LMQs correspond more suitable to Short answer questions (SAQ) then to OEQ and should only be used when the answers can be clearly phrased, using only a few, precise synonyms.LMQs can decrease cueing effects and significantly simplify the scoring in computerized assessment.
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BMC medical education · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyCardiac auscultation training of medical students: a comparison of electronic sensor-based and acoustic stethoscopes.
To determine whether the use of an electronic, sensor based stethoscope affects the cardiac auscultation skills of undergraduate medical students. ⋯ Whether an electronic or a conventional stethoscope was used during training and testing did not affect the students' performance on a cardiac auscultation test.
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BMC medical education · Dec 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCritical appraisal skills training for health care professionals: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN46272378].
Critical appraisal skills are believed to play a central role in an evidence-based approach to health practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and costs of a critical appraisal skills educational intervention aimed at health care professionals. ⋯ The findings of this study challenge the policy of funding 'one-off' educational interventions aimed at enhancing the evidence-based practice of health care professionals. Future evaluations of evidence-based practice interventions need to take in account this trial's negative findings and methodological difficulties.