Skip to main content

Rationale

Because of the breadth of the problems encountered in clinical practice, internists face an extraordinary challenge to keep up with the burgeoning amount of new information relevant to providing high quality care. Therefore, they must master and practice self-directed life-long learning, including the ability to access and utilize information systems and resources efficiently.

Prerequisites

Basic library skills, including the ability to perform an electronic literature search.
Critical appraisal skills.
Understanding of basic concepts of biostatistics and clinical epidemiology.

Specific Learning Objectives

  1. Knowledge: Each student should be able to describe:
    1. key sources for obtaining updated information on issues relevant to the medical management of adult patients.
    2. a system for managing information from a variety of sources.
    3. key questions to ask when critically appraising articles on diagnostic tests or therapies.
  2. Skills: Each student should be able to:
    1. perform a computerized literature search to find articles pertinent to a clinical question.
    2. demonstrate critical review skills.
    3. read critically about issues pertinent to their patients.
    4. assess the limits of medical knowledge in relation to patient problems.
    5. use information from consultants critically.
    6. recognize when he or she needs additional information to care for the patient.
    7. ask colleagues (students, residents, nurses, faculty) for help when needed.
    8. make use of available instruments to assess one’s own knowledge base.
  3. Attitudes: Each student should:
    1. demonstrate self-directed learning in every case.
    2. acknowledge gaps in knowledge to both colleagues and patients and request help.