Biomedical subjects

S Parakkamodom

Publications and source records attributed to S Parakkamodom.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Does computer-assisted instruction really help to improve the learning process?

OBJECTIVES: We have developed both a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) multimedia program and a textbook on arterial blood gas interpretation with the same content as formal didactic instruction. A prospective, randomized study was designed to compare the outcomes of self-learning using the software and using the textbook. METHODS: 80 third-year medical students were randomly allocated to two groups: the CAI (n=40) and text group (n=40). A 30-item, type-K examination was administered as the pre-test. After the pre-test, the volunteers in the CAI group studied the software program, whereas those in the text group spent their time reading the textbook covering the same material. The post-test was held immediately at the end of a full day of study, and 3 weeks later, the final test was performed without prior notice. A P value of <0.05 was considered to be a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: Students in the text group seemed to fulfil their assignments and improved their scores post-test better than those in the CAI group. After 3 weeks, the final test scores of both groups demonstrated a significant decrease, but showed an insignificant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Text-based learning seems to be a convenient method of education where time is limited. However, with more time available, use of software may be as good as the conventional learning method and can be an alternative tool. The computer-assisted instruction program seems to enhance the learning process.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

PubMed1999

Intraperitoneal lidocaine decreases intraoperative pain during postpartum tubal ligation.

UNLABELLED: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal lidocaine, IM morphine, or both drugs together for pain relief in postpartum tubal ligation. Eighty postpartum patients scheduled to have tubal sterilization were randomly divided into four groups to receive IM isotonic sodium chloride solution (1 mL) and intraperitoneal instillation of 80 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution (Group P); IM morphine (10 mg in 1 mL) and intraperitoneal instillation of 80 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution (Group M); IM injection of isotonic sodium chloride solution and intraperitoneal instillation of 0.5% lidocaine in 80 mL (Group L); and both IM morphine and intraperitoneal lidocaine instillation (Group ML). The minilaparotomy was performed after local infiltration with 15 mL of 1% lidocaine. A numerical rating score was used to rate pain on a 0-10 scale during the surgical procedures. The mean pain scores were 1.2 in Group L and 0.8 in Group ML. These pain scores were significantly lower than those in Groups P and M, which were 5.5 and 6.0, respectively (P < 0.001). IMPLICATIONS: Pain relief was inadequate in patients undergoing postpartum tubal ligation under local anesthesia, even after the administration of IM morphine. Instilling lidocaine into the abdominal cavity, however, effectively decreased intraoperative pain in these patients.

Adult↗