Exploring e-readers to support clinical medical education: two case studies |
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Authors: | Suzanne Shurtz Megan von Isenburg |
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Institution: | Instructional Service Librarian, Medical Sciences Library, Texas A&M University, 4462 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4462 ;Associate Director of Information Services, Medical Center Library, Duke University, DUMC 3702, Durham, NC, 27710 |
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Abstract: | Question:Can e-readers loaded with medical textbooks and other relevant material benefit medical students, residents, and preceptors in clinical settings?Settings:The settings are North Carolina community clinics served by Duke University Medical Center and St. Joseph''s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, and Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas.Methods:Duke University: Twenty second-year medical students and fourteen family medicine clerkship preceptors used Kindle e-readers in clinics during eight months of rotations. Students and preceptors provided feedback through an anonymous online survey. Texas A&M University: Nine fourth-year medical students in an elective compared medical textbooks in print, online, and on a Kindle. Six residents at a local hospital completed an anonymous online survey after a three-week loan of a Kindle loaded with medical textbooks.Results:The e-reader''s major advantages in clinical settings are portability and searchability. The selected e-reader''s limitations include connection speed, navigation, and display. User preferences varied, but online resources were preferred. Participants suggested additional uses for Kindles in medical education.Conclusions:The selected e-reader''s limitations may be resolved with further development of the device. Investigation of other e-readers is needed. Criteria for evaluating e-readers in clinical settings should include portability, searchability, speed, navigation, and display. Research comparing e-readers and mobile devices in clinical education is also warranted. |
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