Resource utilisation patterns of third-year medical students

Abstract

Background: In spite of published learning objectives for generally accepted clinical competencies, little evidence-based data exist regarding how clerkship students achieve them. We queried how clerkship students' learning resource use correlates with clerkship outcomes. However, little evidence-based data exist regarding how to accomplish these goals. We queried how clerkship students' learning resource use correlates with clerkship outcomes.

Methods: We surveyed 130 students at the end of their in-patient internal medicine clerkship. Questionnaires investigated resource utilisation, study methods and knowledge acquisition goals, using 1-5 Likert scale (1 = never; 5 = always).

Results: Most students used UpToDate to prepare for attending physician rounds and to admit patients (64 and 67%, respectively), but not for exam preparation. Using question books for exam preparation was associated with a significant improvement in scores (77 versus 72%, p < 0.01).

Discussion: Students' resource utilisation varies by clinical situation and knowledge acquisition goals. Students using question books had better examination performances.