Integrating Simulation Scenarios and Clinical Practices Guided by Concepts of Translational Medicine

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a novel method for closely and effectively integrating simulation scenarios and clinical practices to improve clinical skills training in the concepts of translational medicine.

Methods: Forty-two and 38 third-year medical students in the classes of 2010 and 2009 at Jinan University were selected as an observation group and a control group, respectively. The former group was taught according to a new, integrated mode, while the latter received traditional methods. Students' scores on practical tests in physical examination, internal punctures, and case analysis; theory-based exams on diagnostics and internal medicine; and questionnaire surveys were compared and analyzed. In addition, system-oriented curricula were explored and implemented.

Results: A novel mode that closely and effectively integrates theory and practice in the observation group had been established although there were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between Grade 2010 and Grade 2009 in clinical basic skills training scores. However, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in scores on practical tests of physical examination and internal punctures among the diagnostic, internal medicine and internship periods in the class of 2010 but no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in case analysis scores. Therefore, system-oriented curricula were initially designed and explored in excellent students from Grade 2010 to reinforce clinical thinking.

Conclusion: The novel program integrating simulation scenarios and clinical situations for training students in diagnostics and internal medicine skills can improve medical students’ clinical comprehensive abilities and achieve effects that are similar to those of the traditional method. This program is more popular with students and ensures patient safety as well. In addition, different characteristics of clinical skills training have been compared for the further exporation of system-oriented curricula.