Knowledge transfer in health care informatics education: quality, efficiency and measurability

Abstract

Electronic exams have been used at Semmelweis University within Health Care Informatics courses since 2006. The statistical analysis of the electronic exam sheets enabled the authors to assess the reliability of examinations, as well as recommend important measures to increase the quality and efficiency of knowledge transfer. The main objective of the study was to propose an optimal teaching methodology with a special focus on electronic exams, based on the statistical analysis of databases of electronic exams recorded at Health Care Informatics courses of Semmelweis University. All data were analysed with statistical methods at the level of individual questions as well as exam results of each student (2801 medical students have undertaken 4933 electronic exams since 2006). Results were evaluated based on teaching methodology criteria. There was a significantly increased tendency in grades obtained at individual exams. The authors identified exam questions that are needed to be modified or even ignored, because they failed to correlate with the knowledge measurement of the students. Statistical analysis of exam results proved to be a useful tool to assess methodology of teaching, knowledge transfer, and their practical implications. It is essential to monitor continuously exam results, this may exert a significant impact on the improvement of the quality and efficiency of knowledge transfer processes.