Computer-simulated clinical encounters. I. Development, utilization, and evaluation of a program.

Positive findings from the two-year pilot study indicated no significant difference in academic learning and clinical performance when students substituted computer-simulated experiences for hospital-based clinical experiences. There was also strong evidence that the time spent by students in fewer hospital-based clinical experiences was more decisively monitored by faculty. Based on these positive findings, the computer-simulated clinical encounters are being continued as part of the established curriculum in the coordinated undergraduate program in dietetics at The Ohio State University.

Computer-simulated clinical encounter. II. Case flow and program content.

The completed computer-simulated case study provides the student with a written model of all components and steps involved in providing nutritional care to a patient. The completed study provides the instructor with a written record of the student's knowledge, her/his response to the patient's inquiries, and her/his organization of the clinical encounter and patient counseling. It is through this written record that student and instructor can analyze and strengthen the student's clinical skills.