title: Distant peer-tutoring of clinical skills, using tablets with instructional videos and Skype: A pilot study in the UK and Malaysia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility and impact of using low-cost Android tablets to deliver video tutorials and remote online peer-tutoring for clinical skills between two countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine junior medical students from Malaysia were paired with five senior medical students from the UK, who played the role of peer-tutors. Students from Malaysia were given a low-cost Android tablet from which they could access instructional video tutorials. At the end of each week, the peer-tutors would observe their peer-learners as they performed a clinical examination. Tutors would then provide individual feedback using a videoconferencing tool. Outcomes were assessed using Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scores, post-study questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Peer-learners reported an increased confidence in clinical examination of 8.4 (±1.0) on a 10-point scale and all nine said they would recommend the scheme to their peers. Both peer-tutors and peer-learners were able to establish a strong rapport over video, rating it as 8.4 (±0.6) and 8.4 (±0.9), respectively. Peer-learners' rated the sound and video quality of the tablet as 7.0 (±1.1) but were less satisfied with the screen resolution of the tablet, rating this as 4.0 (±1.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary pilot study presents an innovative, low cost approach to international medical education with significant potential for future development.
authors.affiliation: University of Newcastle , UK .
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Donovan
authors.forename: Mahiben
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maruthappu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D000068156:Formative Feedback; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult