Health Disciplines’ Computerized Patient and Case Simulation Project

Objectives: Through a consultative and collaborative process, the Health Disciplines’ Computerized Patient and Case Simulation Project will achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop a needs assessment and institute evaluation criteria, standards, and processes particular to the Health Disciplines’ Computerized Patient and Case Simulation Project.
2. Based on the needs assessment, develop or customize a computerized patient and case simulation product in order to provide a technology-based instruction and assessment resource that approximates the world of clinical practice.
3. Develop cases for the computer simulation that will aim to cultivate an understanding of the diagnostic process, and promote a sound base of knowledge integrated with problem solving.
4. Promote, encourage, and coach students on the use and application of computerized simulations in the process of student-centred learning in the Health Disciplines.
5. Promote, encourage, and facilitate faculty involvement in the administration and case development within the simulation, and integration in to course objectives.

Rationale: Computer-based patient and case simulations approximate real life situations. The simulation can contain complex multiple thematic situations and require the student to make choices that leads to any number of strategic routes, several of which could result in an acceptable solution to the case or patient's problem. Immediate feedback is provided; review of previously selected items is permitted; audio/visual capabilities are utilized; mechanisms for timing, control, and monitoring of the simulation or examination are provided. User performance results are detailed and the scoring of the situation is instantaneous.

Computer-based patient and case simulations are increasingly used in health discipline education. Improvements in technology, innovations in teaching and limited patient availability explain this shift. For example, the adoption of computer-based patient and case simulation technologies complements a shift in the curriculum for the UBC Faculty of Medicine from a didactic lecture-style of delivery to a student-centred and case-based format. It recognizes the need to provide material to students in any location that have access to computers and enables the student the opportunity to direct and track their own progress. As education formats change, students will be expected to use learning technologies to access, organize, and retrieve clinically relevant information and on-line course material. A critical component to the success of the project, therefore, is a comprehensive consultation process with faculty, students, and staff in the Health Disciplines, as well as content experts in all areas of the Health Disciplines.

Justin M. Bonzo, Educational Support and Development, College of Health Disciplines
Marc Broudo, Educational Support and Development, College of Health Disciplines
George Pachev, Educational Support and Development, College of Health Disciplines
Liam Werry, Educational Support and Development, College of Health Disciplines