Teaching focused histories and physical exams in ambulatory care: A multi-institutional randomized trial

Deborah Peltier, Martha Regan-Smith, James Wofford, Sean Whelton, Greg Kennebecks, Patricia A. Carney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: We needed specific strategies for students in diverse outpatient settings to more uniformly learn focused history and physical exam skills. Methods: We conducted a randomized control trial to test the use of focused history and physical exam scripts in enhancing 3rd-year medical students' clinical skills at two medical schools. The article based scripts outlined focused outpatient encounters. The outcome measure was blinded analysis of progress notes using a standardized scale. Descriptive statistics were used to assess differences among student in each school, and study groups were compared using a t test. Results: Five of 11 variables were statistically higher in the scripts group. These included history taking, physical examination, and overall score. Conclusion: Focus Scripts facilitated a specific task of learning to document focused evaluations in acute and chronic office visits.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)244-250
Number of pages7
JournalTeaching and Learning in Medicine
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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