Peer-assisted learning in the acquisition of clinical skills: a supplementary approach to musculoskeletal system training.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND:
This study evaluates whether peer-assisted learning (PAL) can be used to improve students' clinical examination skills.

METHODS:
Four year 4 students trained in PAL techniques and musculoskeletal (MSS) examination used the Gait, Arms, Legs and Spine (GALS) system in a five-week student selected module. These students then recruited and trained 28 second-year trainees. Trainees were evaluated using pre/post confidence questionnaires (100 mm visual analogue scale), a course experience questionnaire (five-point Likert scales) and end-of-year objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores.

RESULTS:
Baseline data from the experimental group were no different from a separate control group, but after training a statistically significant difference in confidence levels was observed in all parts of GALS, <38 to >73 (p < 0.0001). Course experience questionnaires demonstrated benefits in all parameters including communication skills and group work with all students recommending PAL training. In end-of-year OSCE 93% of PAL-trained students passed the MSS examination station compared with 67% for those participating in the standard curriculum alone (p < 0.0001). Examination results for other clinical skill stations showed no difference in performance between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study shows that PAL is a useful adjunct to MSS training, and could be incorporated into medical curricula to enhance clinical skills.

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Author information

Author/s: Burke, Joanne (J); Fayaz, Saeed (S); Graham, Keith (K); Matthew, Robert (R); Field, Max (M);

Affiliation: University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Medical teacher (Med Teach), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Sep; vol 29 (issue 6) : pp 577-82

Dates: Created 2007/11/05; Completed 2008/01/07;

PMID: 17978969, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Clinical Competence
Curriculum
Education, Medical, Undergraduate - methods
Educational Measurement
Female
Humans

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