Use of a computerized risk-appraisal instrument for cancer prevention education of medical students.
BACKGROUND
Interactive computer-based tools are increasingly used for patient and medical student instruction.


METHODS
To assess medical students' responses to a computer-based risk-appraisal instrument aimed at teaching concepts of risk and cancer prevention, and to evaluate perceived barriers to using such tools in clinical practice and knowledge about risk factors for colon cancer.


METHODS
An electronic survey of 133 second-year medical students elicited their responses to the instrument after using it for a case-based learning exercise.


RESULTS
The students identified several potential barriers to use, including inadequate time during the office visit (75% of students) and problems with literacy (48%). They were generally knowledgeable about risk factors for colon cancer. 84% found the instrument "very helpful" or "somewhat helpful" in understanding a case patient's health and setting priorities for behavioral changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical students may benefit from exposure to interactive, computer-based tools such as health-appraisal instruments when learning skills in risk counseling and cancer prevention. Second-year students were already concerned about having adequate time during office visits to use such instruments.
Fairfield
Kathleen M
KM
Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA. fairfk@mmc.org
Emmons
Karen M
KM
Rigotti
Nancy A
NA
Colditz
Graham A
GA
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors