[Development of a computer clinical instruction program. Is the game worth the candle?].
OBJECTIVE
Use of computers in medicine, as tools for information and education, is increasing. Many computer-assisted learning tools have been marketed. For clinician-teachers, computer-assisted learning offers interesting possibilities. Is this educational technology within the reach of family physicians?


OBJECTIVE
To describe development of a computer-based learning tool and to suggest indications for its use.


METHODS
A team of clinician-teachers and information technologists developed a tool called Didacticiel sur l'Aviseur to train family physicians and family medicine residents on a clinical decision-making tool called l'Aviseur pharmacothérapeutique, which consists of a database and nine search functions. The Didacticiel in turn consists of an interactive guided tour, a series of exercises with formative evaluation and feedback, a real-time test with a final evaluation, and an integrated, multidimensional project evaluation program.


CONCLUSIONS
Developing a computerized learning tool is a worthwhile investment if the content has longevity; the learning process is highly interactive; there is a market for the product; and the tool is developed by a team of experienced, committed information technologists.
Audet
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Département de médecine familiale, l'Université Laval.
Saucier
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D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004360:Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*