Evaluation of the OncoTCap (Oncology Thinking Cap) simulation in teaching medical students about clinical trials: some successes and some surprises

J Cancer Educ. 2004 Fall;19(3):149-55. doi: 10.1207/s15430154jce1903_8.

Abstract

Objective: A training workshop for cancer clinical trials was developed utilizing a computer simulation encompassing cancer biology, metabolism, adverse effects, and clinical trial design.

Method: Fourth-year medical students in a neoplasia elective course participated. The workshop was structured to maximize group discussions and interactions. Pretests and posttests were administered in a crossover design to evaluate learning about cancer clinical trials. Results. The comparison showed that the workshop did impart knowledge about cancer clinical trials.

Conclusions: Student evaluations of the workshop showed slight improvements from the first year to the second year.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Education
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods*
  • Educational Measurement
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms*
  • Software
  • Teaching*