Multimedia clinical simulation based on patient records: authoring, user interface, pedagogy.

As an alternative to available computer-based clinical simulations that mimic patient encounters, we developed a clinical case simulation that more closely resembles the patient record. Our system, implemented in a Macintosh program called Short Rounds, features rapid and customized case authoring by editing a structured text file, a dynamic user interface that presents a case-specific screen layout, and a pedagogical model that is suitable for teaching third-year medical students. We believe this approach allows faculty members to create multimedia case simulations in shorter periods of time than in available clinical simulations.