Using instant messaging applications to promote clinical teaching of medical students
نویسندگان
1 Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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3 Department of Medical Education, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4 Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
5 Department of Internal Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
doi
چکیده
BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Telegram as an Instantmessaging application in clinical teaching of medical students, especially clinical ward rounds.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this quasi‑experimental study, Telegram as an Instant messagingapplication was employed. To do this, a Telegram group entitled as “Lavender” was created and thenselected patients were divided between students and externs daily. After that, students and externswere asked to take medical histories, perform complete physical examinations, and then share theirdata in the Lavender group. Ultimately, to evaluate the effects of this intervention, two quantitativeand qualitative approaches were used.RESULTS: From the students’ point of view the highest average was associated with “Readinessfor teaching round” (3.71 ± 1.34) and the lowest average was related to “Time‑saving for studyingabout illnesses” (2.08 ± 1.44). In addition, medical trainees mentioned that reporting patients’ dailymedical histories and progress notes could create a reflective process. The suggestion made bymany medical trainees was to select and discuss simpler cases who have more teaching pointsfor them, while other trainees recommended focusing on common illnesses in the Lavender group.CONCLUSION: The use of messaging software applications such as Telegram in medical educationhas created a new paradigm, which could facilitate interpersonal interactions among trainees.
