Objective To investigate the effects of evidence-based medicine (EBM) course on clinical medical students and to propose teaching advice. Methods Using a predesigned questionnaire, we conducted an investigation on the literature retrieval, knowledge of EBM terms, and subject attitude of clinical 5-year and 7-year medical students before and after EBM course, and then an interview was performed to collect the opinions of the students. Data was statistically analyzed. Results After the course, average reading time and frequency of literature retrieval increased significantly compared to the situation before EBM course (Plt;0.05). Knowledge levels of main EBM terms related to practice increased significantly (Plt;0.05). 5-year medical students’ ability of literature appraisal also increased (Plt;0.05). In this interview, these students suggested that course time of literature retrieval and screening should increase and medical statistics should be reviewed. Conclusion Through the study of EBM course, both knowledge and attitude of students changed a lot, and combining case teaching with EBM course has a better teaching effect. Learning the concepts and techniques of EBM for clinical medical students can help them apply medical research evidence correctly in clinical practice, and train their self-learning ability.
The main approaches to medical education reform that have been introduced elsewhere in the world, including the integration of basic and clinical sciences into organ-based model, the establishment of a Center for Faculty Development and problem-based learning (PBL) have been introduced to the College of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) since the mid 1990s. The process of developing the PBL approach can be divided into the following stages: Observation (1994-2000): In this stage, CSMU observed the practice and effectiveness of PBL programs in other domestic and foreign medical schools. At the same time, we assessed the possibility of introducing PBL to Chung Shan. When the authority decided to introduce PBL, a PBL committee was inaugurated. Preparation (2000-2002): In this stage, tutor training took place, as well as PBL case writing workshops to reach consensus among the faculty. To reduce the total amount of curricula and traditional teaching hours, we combined and simplified related curricula, so that one and half weekdays were reserved for PBL tutorials and students’ self-study. A preliminary course about how to learn well, including the philosophy and methodology of learning as well as evidence-based medicine (EBM), was integrated into premedical curricula. Practice (2002-2004): In light of the number of trained tutors and written cases that have been prepared, and the desire that the PBL would be successful from the start, CSMU chose to introduce PBL to the clinical curricula first in a hybrid curriculum design. This meant that the traditional teaching was retained at the beginning. Evaluation of PBL by the students was done at the end of each semester. Tutor meetings were held twice per semester. Advancement (2004-2006): In this stage, PBL was introduced to the basic medical curricula as well as to the premedical general curricula. Based on our experience and comprehensive evaluation, a PBL guidebook for tutors and students has been published and delivered to both groups. We also developed an on-line evaluation system containing the evaluation forms for students and tutors. Excellence (2006 onwards): In this stage, the PBL website and learning resources will be further developed, and we are designing the system for on-line PBL practice.In conclusion, the introduction to PBL for medical education is reasonable and feasible. It requires b administrative support, a long-standing and high commitment of the PBL committee, consensus among the faculty and an appropriate planning and evaluation mechanism.
Global Minimum Essential Requirements (GMER) is focused on training medical students to equip them with the scientific foundation of medicine, clinical techniques, a doctor’s professional ethos, social sciences, health economics, medical information management and communication skills, etc. Based on GMER and its evaluation and through the integration of GMER’s seven requirements into the objectives of the clinical-medicine major, Shanxi Medical University is reforming medical education to carry forward high quality education in a comprehensive way. These reforms include adjustments in the content, methods and means of the teaching in order to improve teaching conditions and optimize the curriculum structure, and to enhance the quality of education. At the same time the management system is being reformed and sustainability-featured mechanisms of management and operation are being created, to make simulated hospital a base wherein GMER is fully followed. Simulated hospital for clinical teaching is built to cultivate the students’ abilities in clinical thinking and clinical education. This takes into full consideration training in professional quality, the cultivation of students’ comprehensive ability and GMER’s aim of reaching the final objective, namely, the following four transformations of the students: from essential knowledge to clinical practice, from single technique to all-round ability, from patterning thought to integrated and innovative thought and from a student of clinical medicine to a professional doctor. The objective is to fulfill the task of teaching clinical medicine in a more favorable way, promoting the reform and development of China’s medical education and keeping pace with changes in medical education elsewhere in the world.