Evaluation of computer case simulations for teaching clinical pathology to second-year medical students.

A computer-assisted learning program for teaching clinical pathology to second year medical students has been developed and evaluated. These programs are designed to be used as supplements to formal lectures, laboratory exercises, and small group discussions. Students are given case histories and asked to select differential diagnoses, order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests, and make final diagnostic conclusions. In some cases, laboratory monitoring of treatment, e.g., drug therapy, is emphasized. The performance of the student is objectively evaluated during each stage. In addition, the amount spent for each workup is recorded with penalties given for excess or inappropriate test ordering. Separate evaluations are performed to assess the effectiveness of these programs as an alternative teaching format to (1) formal lectures and reading assignments, and (2) faculty-directed small group discussions. It is concluded that the computer-assisted learning method is equivalent to lectures and group discussions and is a format that is well accepted by students.