Clinical clerkship of rheumatology at Tsukuba University Hospital: The influence of introduction of biologics / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Students in their 5th and 6th year of University of Tsukuba, School of Medicine, enter into a clinical clerkship. They record medical charts and flow sheets and they present at clinical rounds.<BR>1) From 2000 to 2005, a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the clinical clerkship in the rheumatology division. We also evaluated the influence of the introduction of infliximab therapy (October 2003) on the students' experience.<BR>2) Evaluation of the clinical clerkship by the students was improved by attending the infliximab ward. Students felt more involved in the treatment of the patients by preparing drip infusion sets, disssolving infliximab, assisting with the drawing of blood and drip infusions, checking of the vital signs every 30 minutes, and recording charts.<BR>3) Students realized the improvement of rheumatoid arthritis with therapy and the changes in the patients' emotional status after the introduction of infliximab.