A review on clinical education in clinical skills centers worldwide and its implications

국외 임상술기센터의 임상교육 현황과 시사점

Purpose : The establishment of clinical skills centers(CSCs) to facilitate the teaching and assessment of clinical skills is one of the more recent developments occurring in medical schools worldwide. The aim of this study is to review experiences of CSCs in other medical schools and learn how to design a CSC in our school. Methods : This study was undertaken in two steps. In the first step, educational activities of CSCs in 6 medical schools were reviewed. In the second step, a search for articles of journals regarding clinical skills education in CSCs was conducted. Results : The review of CSCs programs reveals variations among centers in teaching and assessment activities. However there are increasing trends of utilizing CSCs in teaching and learning in CSCs. The delivery of clinical skills is expanded by an increasing use of simulated patients and realistic simulators. Through an audio/video technology, availability of more detailed monitoring and feedback. CSCs also provide greater opportunity for assessment of communications skills, physical examination and practical procedures. Conclusions: CSCs contribute to the effectiveness in clinical teaching and assessment. Educational benefits of a CSC can be maximized by utilizing new delivery methods, implementing educational strategies and staff development programmes.