Abstract
BackgroundObjective Structured Clinical Examination is a standard method of testing declarative and process knowledge in clinical core competencies. It is desirable that students undergo Objective Structured Clinical Examination training before participating in the exam. However, establishing Objective Structured Clinical Examination training is resource intensive and therefore there is often limited practice time. Web-based immersive patient simulators such as ALICE (Artificial Learning Interface of Clinical Education) can possibly fill this gap as they allow for the training of complex medical procedures at the user’s individual pace and with an adaptable number of repetitions at home. ALICE has previously been shown to positively influence knowledge gain and motivation.ObjectiveTherefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Web-based curriculum that teaches declarative and process knowledge and prepares students for a real Objective Structured Clinical Examination station. Furthermore, we wanted to test the influence of ALICE on knowledge gain and student motivation.MethodsA specific curriculum was developed in order to implement the relevant medical content of 2 surgical Objective Structured Clinical Examination stations into the ALICE simulator framework. A total of 160 medical students were included in the study, where 100 students had access to ALICE and their performance was compared to 60 students in a control group. The simulator performance was validated on different levels and students’ knowledge gain and motivation were tested at different points during the study.ResultsThe curriculum was developed according to the Kern cycle. Four virtual clinical cases were implemented with different teaching methods (structured feedback, keynote speech, group discussion, and debriefing by a real instructor) in order to consolidate declarative and process knowledge. Working with ALICE had significant impact on declarative knowledge gain and Objective Structured Clinical Examination performance. Simulator validation was positive for face, content, construct, and predictive validity. Students showed high levels of motivation and enjoyed working with ALICE.ConclusionsALICE offers Web-based training for Objective Structured Clinical Examination preparation and can be used as a selective didactic intervention as it has positive effect on knowledge gain and student motivation.
Highlights
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a well-established method used in clinical education
We developed a proprietary Immersive patient simulators (IPS), Artificial Learning Interface of Clinical Education ICAP (ALICE) (“Artificial Learning Interface of Clinical Education”), and proved it had a positive impact on clinical decision-making and student motivation [4]
Comparison of ALICE performance in the fourth case and OSCE performance of the control group revealed, that there was no difference (P=.45) between these groups, proving that there is positive content validity (Figure 6). Students in their eighth semester and above performed significantly better in finding the correct diagnosis and correct treatment in the post-ALICE OSCE compared to the younger students
Summary
OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a well-established method used in clinical education. OSCE simulation of complex procedures to prepare for the exam is often not part of the curriculum or occurs only with limited practice time. Since the aim of OSCE is to prepare students for future clinical work, it is desirable that they are given the opportunity to train for the OSCE without time pressure and limits to the number of repetitions before they enter the exam. Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a standard method of testing declarative and process knowledge in clinical core competencies. Establishing Objective Structured Clinical Examination training is resource intensive and there is often limited practice time. Web-based immersive patient simulators such as ALICE (Artificial Learning Interface of Clinical Education) can possibly fill this gap as they allow for the training of complex medical procedures at the user’s individual pace and with an adaptable number of repetitions at home. ALICE has previously been shown to positively influence knowledge gain and motivation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
