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Disease Markers 15 (1999) 157IOS Press

0278-0240/99/$8.00 1999 IOS Press. All rights reserved

157

Z. Miedzybrodzka1, N.M. Hamilton2,H. Gregory1, B. Milner1, I. Frade2,T. Sinclair2, J. Mollison3 and N. Haites1

1Department of Medical Genetics, Universityof Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK2Department of Public Health, University ofAberdeen, Aberdeen, UK3Medical Faculty CAL Unit, University ofAberdeen, Aberdeen, UK

We have developed a CAL package forteaching breast cancer genetics to clinicalmedical students. Its aim is to explain theprinciples of genetic predisposition to breastcancer, the association with other cancers, theprinciples of family history taking andconfirmation, risk assessment and possibleinterventions.

Fourth-year clinical medical students fromAberdeen University were randomised to eitherconventional teaching or CAL. Forty-eightstudents attended the evaluation session.Students randomised to conventional teachingparticipated in a 20 minute mini-lecture (withopportunities for questions) led by one of twoclinicians. Those students randomised to CAL

completed the CAL package with technical but not academic support available. Aims andobjectives of the mini-lecture were the same asthose of the CAL package, both tutors used thesame teaching material. At the end of theintervention both groups of students completed ashort written assessment comprising:1. Likert scales asking students to rate how

enjoyable, useful, interesting and wellexplained the subject matter was, and easeof use of the computing software andhardware.

2. MEQ and MCQ questions assessingknowledge and understanding of breastcancer genetics.

There was no significant difference betweenthe CAL and mini-lecture groups in terms ofmarks or acceptability. Thus CAL is anacceptable and effective method of teachingbreast cancer genetics to clinical medicalstudents. It can be run across suitable networksor on stand alone PCs. Although time consumingto develop, the CAL could be used in a variety ofsettings to increase curriculum flexibility.Methods of motivating students to complete theCAL, and of providing educational support arebeing explored. If there is sufficient demand theCAL package will be made generally availableon CD-ROM.

Abstract

Teaching Breast Cancer Genetics to MedicalStudents: Evaluation of a Computer AssisterLearning (CAL) Package

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