Impact of two types of Internet-based information on medical students’ performance in an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)

Objectives

Internet-based information has potential to impact physician–patient relationships. This study examined medical students’ interpretation and response to such information presented during an objective clinical examination.

Method

Ninety-three medical students who had received training for a patient centered response to inquiries about alternative treatments completed a comprehensive examination in their third year. In 1 of 12 objective structured clinical exams, a SP presented Internet-based information on l-theanine – an amino acid available as a supplement. In Condition A, materials were from commercial websites; in Condition B, materials were from the PubMed website.

Results

Analyses revealed no significant differences between Conditions in student performance or patient (SP) satisfaction. Students in Condition A rated the information less compelling than students in Condition B (z = −1.78, p = .037), and attributed less of the treatment's action to real vs. placebo effects (z = −1.61, p = .053).

Conclusions

Students trained in a patient centered response to inquiries about alternative treatment perceived the credibility of the two types of Internet-based information differently but were able to respond to the patient without jeopardizing patient satisfaction. Approach to information was superficial. Training in information evaluation may be warranted.