T Y Euliano1, M E Mahla. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0254, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We developed a problem-based learning exercise with a full-scale human patient simulator to teach residents the emergency management and differential diagnosis of acute intraoperative hypotension. METHODS: We developed the exercise through the following steps: clear definition of learning objectives, preparation of an appropriate case stem, development of clinically realistic scenarios to illustrate objectives, and an interactive instructor to stimulate discussion. RESULTS: The exercise focused on the differential diagnosis of intraoperative hypotension, and the acute treatment of hypovolemia, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Exercises on a full-scale patient simulator are a natural extension of problem-based learning. Recent research in learning theory provides the rationale for this teaching modality's potential as a learning tool.
BACKGROUND: We developed a problem-based learning exercise with a full-scale humanpatient simulator to teach residents the emergency management and differential diagnosis of acute intraoperative hypotension. METHODS: We developed the exercise through the following steps: clear definition of learning objectives, preparation of an appropriate case stem, development of clinically realistic scenarios to illustrate objectives, and an interactive instructor to stimulate discussion. RESULTS: The exercise focused on the differential diagnosis of intraoperative hypotension, and the acute treatment of hypovolemia, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Exercises on a full-scale patient simulator are a natural extension of problem-based learning. Recent research in learning theory provides the rationale for this teaching modality's potential as a learning tool.