RESUMO
We developed a problem-oriented simulation system for medical diagnosis which works on personal computers without special equipment. In this simulation system the history of illness can be presented by voice, and physical findings are presented audiovisually through the student's actions, in a manner that closely resembles an actual medical examination. The laboratory findings are also presented through the student's actions. Students compile a database with information that they collect, create a problem list, and devise an initial diagnostic plan for the patient's most important problem. This computer-assisted system will help medical students learn diagnostic strategies in a simulated clinical setting. We believe that this system is a promising method that will facilitate problem-oriented learning in the virtual multimedia environment with special convenience for medical students to share time and facilities and to lower costs.