Monitoring learning outcome in Paediatric specialty clerkship using E-logbook

Abstract

Introduction: Student logbooks form an important learning tool that reflects ongoing student-teacher interactions, monitoring of learning activities and the fulfilment of curriculum goals. Carefully constructed logbooks can mirror the variety of teaching activities, providing structure and focus during the experiential teaching cycle. The use of e-logbooks has been shown to be superior to manual logbooks as they enhance students’ critical reflection and timely feedback by teachers. Method: The e-log system was introduced to the Paediatric Specialty Clerkship in MBBS Year 5-6 curriculum in January 2018. Our aim is to create an education resource that is easily accessible, creative and interactive to support student learning. We followed the twelve tips for successfully implementing logbooks in clinical training by Schuttpelz-Brauns et al and the key features include (i) a structured format, (ii) on-line access to curriculum map, clerkship handbook, reading material and lecture notes, (iii) residency case logs, and (iv) interactive feedback on students’ performance with emphasis on the practice of clinical reasoning. Findings: The e-log system allows monitoring of students’ progress during the clerkship, tracking the spectrum of cases seen by the students during the clerkship to identify any potential deficiencies. When there is evidence that students lack adequate exposure to certain core clinical problems, appropriate actions can be taken to strengthen the teaching for the respective clinical areas, and facilitate the development of a more balanced curriculum. Data generated from our e-log system have facilitated the restructure and updates of learning activities for a more balanced undergraduate paediatrics curriculum. Conclusion: Feedback and self-reflection are considered as the most important building blocks of clinical teaching. The e-log system provides a valuable platform for dynamic, real-time and interactive feedback for medical students, teachers as well as course coordinators on learning objectives and teaching activities. It can also serve as an invaluable means for continuous assessment.