Implementation

Medical education must include training in the delivery of “family-centered” and “community-based” care. Many would agree that the ideal setting for residents to learn these newer “basic sciences” is in a continuity clinic setting, the “medical home” for children. The case-based approach used by Pedicases develops analytic and problem-solving skills and is particularly useful as a teaching method is this setting. It explores solutions and various interpretations for complex reality-based issues. When learners interact with a story, known as the "case", they can acquire new knowledge and make connections to the possibility of what course of action should be taken next. Relating personal experience to the case may improve clinical judgment or practice. This teaching method can be especially helpful among learners with differing perspectives.

Implementation of the case-base method is considered from various perspectives including the continuity clinic, faculty, fellow and residents. Adapting these cases for teaching internal medicine residents will vary by program and will depend greatly on the prior experiences of the resident learners. They are equally adaptable for other audiences including family practice, nursing, and medical student education.