title: Studying health information from a distance: refining an e-learning case study in the crucible of student evaluation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a formative evaluation of the impact of a multimedia case study as a component of a masters course in health informatics delivered by distance learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  First and second year health informatics students undertaking four core modules of a masters programme at the University of Sheffield.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individual qualitative user surveys and interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Formative evaluation has played a significant role in refining the case study through its text-based, intermediate and CD-ROM based stages. Feedback from students has resulted in clarification of case study tasks, clearer definition of teaching roles and a revised approach to assessment. At the same time it has highlighted the importance of ongoing revision and maintenance in keeping the scenarios realistic and current.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The multimedia case study has met many of its original aims in providing greater cohesion for core modules and encouraging greater levels of interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health Information Management Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. A.Booth@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bath
authors.forename: Terence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lacey
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanderson
authors.forename: Gabi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Diercks-O'Brien
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D007993:Libraries, Medical; D018966:Library Materials / Q000458:organization & administration; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000193:education*; D019212:Multimedia; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D015397:Program Evaluation; D006113:United Kingdom