title: Targeted studies as a learning tool in outcomes assessment.
abstract: Authors discuss the need for increased analytical skills in the current medical environment and suggest a method which combines the use of targeted studies and Internet communication as part of graduate medical education. Advantages of such a program include involvement of the private sector in clinical outcome studies, improvements in the design of clinical studies and publications and the early development of skills in interpreting and evaluating literature. A further goal would be the development of an understanding of the principles underlying, to the extent that it is possible, unbiased assessment of one's own clinical practices.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Venes
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dauser
mesh_terms: D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D007858:Learning; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States