[Model trial: use and evaluation of a problem-oriented learning program in internal medicine].

BACKGROUND: Problem-based training is a new approach in medical education. It is in particular essential that students work actively with authentic medical cases. Modern software is appropriate for developing interactive case-based training systems and the use in teaching environments. This method is still rarely integrated within medical curricula.

METHOD: In an educational trial with 287 students the conceptual background, feasibility and evaluation are discussed. The learning program CASUS was used to present the case of a macroprolactinoma for interactive training. A questionnaire with a return rate of 78% was used for evaluation.

RESULTS: 96% of the students had no problems in learning how to handle and use the program. A major problem was to focus the contents of the program exactly to the students' needs. The students' judgement was independent of the individual computer skills. 82% of the students would like to use the program in the future.

CONCLUSION: Case-based and computer-assisted learning increases motivation and probably improves the quality in medical education. Controlled trials have to be implemented in future to show the effectiveness and the long-term output of these learning systems.