EDUCATION RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Please note: All posters will be displayed in Salons 10-12.

THURSDAY, 5:30-6:15 PM


Sierpina V, Gerik S, Marion R.

Using a pluripotential Web-based case on low back pain for interdisciplinary learning.

University of Texas Medical Branch vssierpi@utmb.edu

PURPOSE: The purpose of this integrative and interdisciplinary educational project was to construct, present, and evaluate a pluripotential or "stem," on-line, simulated patient case.

METHODS: This case was designed to be effective as a teaching tool for students in medicine, nursing and allied health. The on-line case was built by an interdisciplinary team of health care providers in order to demonstrate the use of an integrative approach to "Sam Cooper," a patient with chronic low back pain. Both conventional and alternative therapies are described in his electronic medical record. Students were polled about their experience with the case and the learning that ensued.

RESULTS: The poster session will demonstrate how faculty can use such a web-case in multiple ways. Illustrative examples are using the case for teaching about evidence-based medicine; demonstrating conventional and alternative approaches to back pain; searching PubMed and Cochrane for evidence; using it in a team learning setting; familiarizing the student with an electronic medical record; and/or acquainting students with multidisciplinary approaches to a common problem. Detailed data evaluating student learning and feedback will be posted.

CONCLUSION: Substantial increased understanding of chiropractic, Chinese medicine, and hypnotherapy were reported by both medical and allied health students surveyed. Medical students reported significant increases in willingness to discuss these therapies with patients.

 

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