Table 1 Case examples
Aspects | Case 1: hepatitis | Case 2: pneumothorax |
|---|---|---|
Description | A patient returns from a trip to Africa with symptoms of an infection. | A passenger on an international flight experiences acute chest pain. |
Suggested study time | 30 min | 30 min |
Objectives and outcomes | Students will learn the differential diagnoses, relevant lab results and serum tests for hepatitis. | Students will learn the first measures for dealing with acute chest pain, as well as causes, symptoms, diagnostics and treatment of a spontaneous pneumothorax. |
Perspective | Case is told from the point of view of a single treating physician. | Case is told from the point of view of a single treating physician. |
Narrative style | Patient is presented using precise descriptions and condensed information. | The case is told like a story, describing the setting and background of the situation beyond necessary information. |
Media | Pictures of physical findings (e.g. jaundice), tables of lab results | Radiology findings, videos on how to place a chest tube |
Interactivity use | Nine MC questions, some with multiple correct answers. ‘Mouseover’ explanations, hyperlinks and expert comments | Eight textboxes to answer questions and compare with the suggested answers. ‘Mouseover’ explanations, hyperlinks and expert comments |
Question content | Facts about the disease, lab results and differential diagnoses; can be answered without reading the case | Diagnostic steps, interpreting findings, how to treat the patient; details which the treating physician would think about in that situation |
Path type | Linear (string of pearls) | Linear (string of pearls) |
Feedback use | Explanations regarding the correctness/incorrectness of each MC option | Reference answers and explanations for the users to compare to their own input |
Expert comment | Detailed information on jaundice and hepatitis B serology | Video instructions on placing a chest tube, X-ray studies of pneumothorax |