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Biomedical subjects

Jane McHarg

Publications and source records attributed to Jane McHarg.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Availability of a virtual learning environment does not compensate for the lack of a physical facility.

A virtual learning environment (VLE), including access to on-line journals, was set up in support of a new medical curriculum delivered at two campuses. We evaluated student perceptions and use of the VLE including the library facilities using several qualitative and quantitative data methods and the results were triangulated. Paper copies of set texts are provided at each site; however, one site also has a traditional library for the training of professions allied to medicine. As the teaching was identical at each site, this gave us the opportunity for a study exploring the effect of having a physical library facility on the use of the VLE. Although ten-fold more loans were made from the library with the medical sources than from the other site, use of the VLE was very similar at both sites, suggesting that reduced access to hard copy books and journals was not compensated for by increased use of electronic library resources. As expected, training, ease of navigation and access to the VLE were very important to student satisfaction.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed2005

Assessment of progress tests.

BACKGROUND: Progress testing is a form of longitudinal examination which, in principle, samples at regular intervals from the complete domain of knowledge considered a requirement for medical students on completion of the undergraduate programme. Over the course of the programme students improve their scores on the test, enabling them, as well as staff, to monitor their progress. AIM: We aimed to review methods which have been used to assess the results of individual tests, and to make recommendations on best practice. DISCUSSION: In assessing progress tests, there are a variety of choices that must be made. These include whether the test is norm- or criterion-referenced; whether marking is negative or "number-right"; whether the grades are reported on a continuous or a discontinuous scale, and whether the grades are weighted towards the most recent observations, or the entire set of grades is used to determine the final grade. Grade boundary setting in the context of progress tests is also considered, using a mathematical model to predict the consequences of different approaches. The relationships between boundary setting, progression and remediation rules are considered. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that norm referencing is preferable to criterion referencing, negative marking preferable to number-right marking, a discontinuous scale preferable to a continuous scale and that grades should be weighted to favour the most recent outcomes, although there should still be a degree of persistence (earlier grades should not disappear all together). Grade boundaries should be established with regard to rules on remediation and progression.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2005

Ethical permission for the publication of routinely collected data.

BACKGROUND: Data collected from undergraduate medical students for routine purposes on a non-consented basis, but subsequently perceived as being potentially valuable for research purposes, lie in an ethical grey area. Currently, such data appear to be used routinely without explicit consideration of ethical considerations. AIMS: This paper proposes a consistent framework that would permit the use of such data. It also provides an advance on current practice with regard to ethical considerations around the absence of consent. DISCUSSION: We argue that students should be informed of generic possible uses of such data and given the opportunity to opt out, that researchers should be able to analyse such data retrospectively, but should then seek ethical permission for publication, and that an ethics committee should determine if ethical practices have been upheld before giving permission for any study incorporating such data to be submitted for publication. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: It is hoped that these proposals will stimulate debate, and that the results of such debate will inform practice in medical schools and medical education publishing.

Confidentiality↗
PubMed2003

Selection for medical school: just pick the right students and the rest is easy!

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The new Peninsula Medical School (PMS) admitted its first undergraduate cohort in September 2002. Development of a new school has given rise to opportunities for critical appraisal of best practice in selecting students for medical school and development of new ways forward. METHODS: The authors developed a selection strategy and principles grounded in the objectives of the PMS programme and drawing extensively on best practice in assessment. Critical appraisal of custom and practice amongst other UK medical schools led to the rejection of hitherto commonly used instruments and procedures and the development of new ones. Common assumptions about ways to ensure quality were also challenged. RESULTS: A process for development of an evidence-based selection strategy is described. In addition, selection instruments and criteria to be used in a new medical school are discussed. Quality performance policies informed by psychometric and qualitative assessment performance measures are recommended. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Critical appraisal of custom and practice and the development of new strategies, criteria and selection instruments go only part way to informing best practice. As with other UK medical schools grappling with these issues, the test of these selection processes lies in their product.

Education, Medical, Undergraduate↗