A model case-study for teaching the principles of emergency medical referrals in a rural African setting.

A model case-study for imparting knowledge of the principles of emergency medical referrals to medical students is described. The case-study, which is undertaken by small syndicate groups of students, effectively combines the advantages of group interaction with those inherent in a problem-solving approach. It has helped not only to stimulate student interest in a subject which many have found rather boring and theoretical, as with most other subjects related to organization of health services, but is also a pointer to the effectiveness of case methods as teaching tools.