Efficient and Effective Use of Peer Teaching for Medical Student Simulation.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation is increasingly used in medical education, promoting active learning and retention; however, increasing use also requires considerable instructor resources. Simulation may provide a safe environment for students to teach each other, which many will need to do when they enter residency. Along with reinforcing learning and increasing retention, peer teaching could decrease instructor demands. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of peer-taught simulation compared to physician-led simulation. We hypothesized that peer-taught simulation would lead to equivalent knowledge acquisition when compared to physician-taught sessions and would be viewed positively by participants. METHOD: This was a quasi-experimental study in an emergency medicine clerkship. The control group was faculty taught. In the peer-taught intervention group, students were assigned to teach one of the three simulation-based medical emergency cases. Each student was instructed to master their topic and teach it to their peers using the provided objectives and resource materials. The students were assigned to groups of three, with all three cases represented; students took turns leading their case. Three groups ran simultaneously. During the intervention sessions, one physician was present to monitor the accuracy of learning and to answer questions, while three physicians were required for the control groups. Outcomes compared pre-test and post-test knowledge and student reaction between control and intervention groups. RESULTS: Both methods led to equally improved knowledge; mean score for the post-test was 75% for both groups (p=0.6) and were viewed positively. Students in the intervention group agreed that peer-directed learning was an effective way to learn. However, students in the control group scored their simulation experience more favorably. CONCLUSION: In general, students' response to peer teaching was positive, students learned equally well, and found peer-taught sessions to be interactive and beneficial.

Herniation of the lung: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain accounts for a significant number of visits to the Emergency Department. Lung herniation is an uncommon cause of chest pain, but one that is easily treated. Patients may complain of pain or present with ecchymosis or a visible bulge in the chest wall. Most lung herniations are located anteriorly or at the thoracic inlet, due to the lack of musculature in these areas. We present a unique case of a right lateral lung herniation and subsequent development of a spontaneous right-sided transdiaphragmatic hernia. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the presentation of a patient found to have a spontaneous lung and bowel herniation, and to review the literature regarding these entities. CASE REPORT: A 61-year old gentleman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and previous long-standing smoking history presented with complaints of right-sided chest pain and cough. He was found to have a spontaneous right lateral lung herniation. This was managed expectantly, but the patient subsequently developed spontaneous right-sided diaphragmatic rupture and herniation of bowel contents through the chest wall. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient presenting with spontaneous right-sided lateral lung herniation and spontaneous right-sided transdiaphragmatic hernia. This case is unusual given the location of the hernias, and is unique in the spontaneous development of the hernias without any inciting history of trauma.