Relevance and usability of a computerized patient simulator for continuous medical education of isolated care professionals in sub-saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

to explore the relevance and usability of using a computerized patient simulator as a tool for continuous medical education and decision support for health professionals in district hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

based on the diagnosis pathway and decision analysis in uncertainty context, interactive clinical vignettes are developed using VIPS, a computerized patient simulator, taking into account clinical problem situations whose relevance was identified. Vignettes were adapted to take into account local epidemiology, availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources, and local socio-cultural constraints. The evaluation on VIPS software was made by care professionals and students.

RESULTS

a computerized patient simulator can be used to provide initial and continuing medical education in Sub-Saharan Africa. But many challenges exist.

CONCLUSION

further research is needed to measure potential improvements in knowledge, skills, decision-making abilities as well as patient outcome.