Korean J Med Educ.  2016 Jun;28(2):169-178. 10.3946/kjme.2016.24.

Using standardized patients versus video cases for representing clinical problems in problem-based learning

• Yoon BY
• Choi I
• Choi S
• Kim TH
• Roh H
• Rhee BD
• Lee JT

• KMID: 2417518
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2016.24

Abstract

PURPOSE
The quality of problem representation is critical for developing students' problem-solving abilities in problem-based learning (PBL). This study investigates preclinical students' experience with standardized patients (SPs) as a problem representation method compared to using video cases in PBL.
METHODS
A cohort of 99 second-year preclinical students from Inje University College of Medicine (IUCM) responded to a Likert scale questionnaire on their learning experiences after they had experienced both video cases and SPs in PBL. The questionnaire consisted of 14 items with eight subcategories: problem identification, hypothesis generation, motivation, collaborative learning, reflective thinking, authenticity, patient-doctor communication, and attitude toward patients.
RESULTS
The results reveal that using SPs led to the preclinical students having significantly positive experiences in boosting patient-doctor communication skills; the perceived authenticity of their clinical situations; development of proper attitudes toward patients; and motivation, reflective thinking, and collaborative learning when compared to using video cases. The SPs also provided more challenges than the video cases during problem identification and hypotheses generation.
CONCLUSION
SPs are more effective than video cases in delivering higher levels of authenticity in clinical problems for PBL. The interaction with SPs engages preclinical students in deeper thinking and discussion; growth of communication skills; development of proper attitudes toward patients; and motivation. Considering the higher cost of SPs compared with video cases, SPs could be used most advantageously during the preclinical period in the IUCM curriculum.

Keyword

Standardized patients; Problem-based learning; Problem representation; Video case

MeSH Terms

*Attitude
Clinical Competence
Communication
*Curriculum
Education, Medical, Undergraduate/*methods
Humans
Motivation
*Patient Simulation
Problem-Based Learning/*methods
Republic of Korea
Schools, Medical
Social Skills
*Students, Medical
Surveys and Questionnaires
Teaching
Thinking
Universities
*Videotape Recording