Abstract:

Objective: to identify weaknesses of educational process in Internal medicine, and make changes to improve present status.
Method: Internal evaluation was done in March 2010, and anonymous questionnaire was distributed to be filled in by alumni of School of Medicine Mostar in June 2010. Obtained results were analysed, weak points identified and changes made.
Results: Both internal evaluation and questionnaire as a prominent weak point underlined low level of competence in solving problems in practice. As a solution new blended educational method „Five integrated“ was designed and promoted to connect theory and practice. Method integrates major forms of education: Bedside PBL, e-learning, Seminar, Tutorial and Assessment.

Blended educational method "Five integrated"

1. Bedside problem-based learning – 1 day
Education in the presence of patient
Every group and every student get a task
History taking
Physical examination
Skills education by Peyton four steps method
Differential diagnostics according to history and physical examination, Brainstorming
Presentation of findings (laboratory, endoscopy, ultrasound, CT etc), Brainstorming
Definition of insufficient knowledge, unclear terms
Definition of learning outcomes
Finding controversial themes (with the help and suggestion of facilitator)

2. e-learning - 2 days
e-connection between teacher and students
www. links, suggested by teacher – resulting in Information Literacy
finding arguments and weak points – resulting in Knowledge Construction

3. Seminar – ½ day
Presentation of learning results, accent on Academic controversies – resulting in Critical Thinking

4. Interactive Problem Based Tutorial – ½ day
Connection of basic and clinical disciplines - accent on physiology, pathology, biochemistry resulting in Deep Understanding

5. Assessment – 1 day
I. Analysis of patient’s diagnostic and therapeutic approach according to hospital data
II. Students’ suggestions of changes of diagnostic and therapeutic approach
III. Open discussion – resulting in Feedback Providing

Keywords:

Alumni, new educational method, hybrid learning, theory and practice connection.