Computer-aided instruction as a part of an undergraduate programme in anaesthesia.

Medical students should learn certain facts and comprehension of these facts during an elective month spent in a Department of Anaesthesia. This enables them to make the most of the tutorial situation in which they work with clinical anaesthetists. Pre- and post-elective multiple choice questions were used to test the efficacy of computer based non-linear programmes of multiple choice questions and explanations in adding to the students' knowledge. They were associated with an improvement in student performance and were acceptable to students and instructors. However, computer based instruction should only be used to improve certain learning situations and should not be employed as an alternative to interaction with physicians and patients.