Abstract
BACKGROUND: As the transition to clinical practice is accompanied by challenges, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a concept for the integration of virtual patients in the dental curriculum at a dental school in Germany. METHODS: The defined learning goals were converted into corresponding modules, which consist of three main components: Case information, additional information and learning tasks. The modules served as a guideline for converting the existing case documentation into a coherent case and were supplemented with additional information. Learning tasks were integrated under the aspect of case-based learning. At baseline, 48 students participated (response rate: 90%) while the follow-up was completed by 36 students (response rate: 68%), of whom 24 stated to have used the e-learning tool. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in perceived competence for users were found in almost every item, and the overall agreement increased from 8.3% to 75%. For participants who did not use the e-learning tool, the overall agreement only increased to 33.3% with only few statistically significant improvements. In the evaluation of the e-learning tool, an overall agreement of 75% was documented regarding functionality and satisfaction. The scope reached an overall agreement of 87.5%. CONCLUSION: The results show a high level of student's satisfaction and improvements in terms of perceived competence, achieved by the concept-based integration of virtual patients. It can therefore be seen as a promising incorporation into the existing curriculum.