How to Formulate a Clinical Question and Effectively Search for the Answer

Abstract

OPEN ACCESSAugust 15, 2012How to Formulate a Clinical Question and Effectively Search for the Answer Neha Shah, MD, Susan Keller Neha Shah, MD Children's National Medical Center Google Scholar More articles by this author , Susan Keller Children's National Medical Center Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9213 SectionsAbout ToolsDownload Citations ShareFacebookTwitterEmail Abstract Introduction: This small-group, case-based exercise is geared towards medical students on their pediatric clerkship. The goal of this session is to teach students how to re-frame their clinical questions into a format that allows for more effective and efficient searching of the literature. The case was created based on previous experience with questions students and residents commonly had during their pediatric inpatient month. Methods: The session is provided once a month as part of the third-year medical student core lecture series during their inpatient pediatrics rotation, with a medical librarian serving as a cofacilitator. The session contains an introduction, a review of content (PICO, PubMed Limits, Medical Subject Headings, and clinical queries), and a small-group activity where groups work to construct a PICO question, report out, and write-up. Results: We implemented this resource with 55 learners over six sessions. We evaluated the resource by using a 5-point Likert scale where 1 = poor and 5 = outstanding. The overall teaching effectiveness of the module was rated as a 4.9 out of 5. When asked what they liked best, learners provided feedback such as “Group activity, interactive” and “The interactive component—you learn much more doing the search yourself. Learners were most engaged during “Small group work, when I was actually doing the search” and “Discussion of everyone's case and tips given by the teachers.” Overall comments included “Great discussions of various sources” and “Very engaging and effective teaching format.” Discussion: We initially used a lecture format in which we reviewed use of advanced PubMed features with very little interaction from the learners. Based on feedback and evaluations, we decided to overhaul the design of our session to allow the students a more active and engaged role. Additionally, we were able to secure our institution's computer training room, which allows each learner to have their own computer for the session. Since the change in our format, we have seen a significant increase in learner satisfaction with the activity. Educational Objectives By the end of this session, learners will be able to: Differentiate foreground questions from background questions.Rewrite a clinical question using the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome format.Demonstrate use of advanced search options (such as medical subject headings and limits in PubMed) to conduct more effective and efficient searches.Classify web-based resources specific to pediatrics available to you through the institution and the internet. Sign up for the latest publications from MedEdPORTAL Add your email below FILES INCLUDEDReferencesRelatedDetails FILES INCLUDED Included in this publication: Clinical Question.ppt Clinical Scenarios.doc Evaluation MedEdPORTAL.doc Instructor's Guide.doc Resource Packet.doc Search Tracker.doc To view all publication components, extract (i.e., unzip) them from the downloaded .zip file. Download editor’s noteThis publication may contain technology or a display format that is no longer in use. CitationShah N, Keller S. How to Formulate a Clinical Question and Effectively Search for the Answer. MedEdPORTAL. 2012;8:9213. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9213 Copyright & Permissions© 2012 Shah and Keller. This is an open-access publication distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike license.KeywordsClinical QuestionseHealthBackground QuestionsForeground QuestionsPICOPubMed Disclosures None to report. Funding/Support None to report. Loading ...