The Epilogue is the heart of the vCases workup. With all self-directed decisions recorded^† and the diagnosis freshly in mind, the Epilogue begins. Here, explanatory decisions made by the expert case author are compared with user choices.

Tracked decisions include EHR selections, questions asked, patient responses, physical exams, test selections, and DiffDx narrowing choices. Comparing decisions with those of an expert and learning explanations for each author choice, is uniquely powerful. It is a non-threatening, non-judgmental learning experience teaching based on one’s own self-directed choices.

After completing the Epilogue and with no encouragement, most users re-work their case.  Records reveal increased learning. Users learn, not from being told, instructed or studying; instead, they learn by self-discovery and initiative, receive when-needed help from the DxLibrary, narrow their differential diagnosis progressively, and learn to make better decisions.

Active Learning? Assign a case that stops early. Let students discuss the case using the DxLibrary^®. After, reveal the diagnosis and personal Epilogues for each user’s private exploration.

Quotes
“I really enjoyed it, having everything available at my finger tips along with their respective descriptions is great”
“I like that vCases gave me a low stress situation in which I could practice my clinical reasoning and search for information on disease processes”
“I liked that it was easy to navigate and fun to use in terms of a problem-solving activity.”
Cardiac Surgeon:  “The case presentation was VERY open ended without any clues outside of what the patient presentation was. Impressive to say the least!

^† Individual records are not shared with users but are available upon request for faculty review when this might help identify academic problems.