Workplace visits versus case studies in undergraduate occupational medicine teaching.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness and acceptability of two active approaches in teaching occupational medicine to undergraduate medical students.


METHODS
Two training formats were compared: in 2007, fourth year students were sent on a workplace visit, and the next-year group discussed real life case studies. Students' perceptions were obtained by assessment questionnaire.


RESULTS
In both the groups, all learning objectives were equally achieved with one exception. Awareness of risk factors and preventive measures was significantly higher in the group with workplace visits. However, students rated the case scenarios as more relevant.


CONCLUSIONS
Until now, many training methods have not been fully investigated. Our study demonstrates that depending on the interest, experiences, and resources of teachers, students, and universities, both worksite visits and case studies can be effectively applied in teaching occupational medicine.
Braeckman
Lutgart
L
Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Belgium. lutgart.braeckman@ugent.be
Bekaert
Micheline
M
Cobbaut
Luc
L
De Ridder
Maurits
M
Glazemakers
Jan
J
Kiss
Philippe
P
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000379:methods; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000193:education*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017132:Workplace