BMC Medical Education - Latest articlesThe latest articles from BMC Medical Education (ISSN 1472-6920) published by BioMed CentralIdentifying outcome-based indicators and developing a curriculum for a continuing medical education programme on rational prescribing using a modified- May 30, 2008 Background: Continuing medical education (CME) is compulsory for physicians in Iran. Recent studies in Iran show that modifications of CME elements are necessary to improve the effectiveness of the educational programmes. Other studies point to an inappropriate, even irrational drug prescribing. Based on a needs assessment study regarding CME for general physicians in the East Azerbaijan province in Iran, rational prescribing practice was recognized as a high priority issue. Considering...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/33 Factors affecting medical students in formulating their specialty preferences in Jordan- May 23, 2008 Background: In recent years there has been a growing appreciation of the issues of career preference in medicine as it may affect student learning and academic performance. However, no such studies have been undertaken in medical schools in Jordan. Therefore, we carried out this study to investigate the career preferences of medical students at Jordan University of Science and Technology and determine factors that might influence their career decisions. Methods: A cross-sectional...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/32 Consultant medical trainers, modernising medical careers (MMC) and the European time directive (EWTD): tensions and challenges in a changing medical e- May 20, 2008 Background: We analysed the learning and professional development narratives of Hospital Consultants training junior staff ('Consultant Trainers') in order to identify impediments to successful postgraduate medical training in the UK, in the context of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Methods: Qualitative study. Learning and continuing professional development (CPD), were discussed in the context of Consultant Trainers' personal biographies,...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/31 Issues and challenges in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: Assessing the needs of cardiologists- May 16, 2008 Background: This needs assessment, initiated by the Academy for Healthcare Education Inc. in cooperation with AXDEV Group Inc., explored the knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and skills of community-based and academic-affiliated U.S. cardiologists in the area of CV risk assessment, treatment, and management from July 2006 to December 2006. Methods: The needs assessment used a multistage, mixed-method approach to collect, analyze, and verify data from two independent sources. The exploratory phase.http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/30 Limitations of student-driven formative assessment in a clinical clerkship. A randomised controlled trial- May 11, 2008 Background: Teachers strive to motivate their students to be self-directed learners. One of the methods used is to provide online formative assessment material. The concept of formative assessment and use of these processes is heavily promoted, despite limited evidence as to their efficacy. Methods: Fourth year medical students, in their first year of clinical work were divided into four groups. In addition to the usual clinical material, three of the groups were provided with some form of...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/29 Innovations in curriculum design: A multi-disciplinary approach to teaching statistics to undergraduate medical students- May 1, 2008 Background: Statistics is relevant to students and practitioners in medicine and health sciences and is increasingly taught as part of the medical curriculum. However, it is common for students to dislike and under-perform in statistics. We sought to address these issues by redesigning the way that statistics is taught. Methods: The project brought together a statistician, clinician and educational experts to re-conceptualize the syllabus, and focused on developing different methods of...http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6920/8/28 |