This Virtual Patients lesson is relevant for medical students and professionals working in health care. In this lesson, the 27 year old nurse Susan complains of rhinitis, bronchial asthma and eczemas on her hands. Are these complaints work-related or are Susan’s allergic complaints caused by something else? Are you able to find out the cause and what tests would you recommend to make a diagnosis? Are you able to offer Susan a solution for her complaints? Perhaps adjustments in her work are possible so she can continue to do her work?
The lesson contains 17 cards. The cards provide descriptive texts, workplace information, findings of physical examination, chest x-ray photos, blood and pulmonary function tests, expert comments, questions, and feedback. Often, cards present a task or question. After sending an answer, feedback is given. After passing all cards, you will get a red or green mark (enough correct answers). If you are following a regular course in Munich, a tutor can give comments. The lesson is given in English, German and Spanish.
General information about Virtual Patients & Work
The series of medical cases for medical students and physicians-in-training for Occupational Medicine has been developed by the Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine at the LMU university (Munich, Germany), often with the help of other institutes. The cases, developed in 2006-2013, are still present-day in many countries, and useful for education. Nevertheless, cases might be not up-to-date or valid everywhere, for example regarding diagnostic procedures, risk assessment tools, therapeutic interventions, or figures like incidence rates. Differences may be caused by differences in time periods, contextual conditions, or populations. Discussion about such aspects in a group, with a colleague, or with a teacher, is an essential part of the learning experience.
Practical. Clicking the link below connects to the Casus website. Make an account going to ‘Register’. Use your e-mail address as LOGIN, fill in a personal password. When registration is completed, LOGIN again, select if needed the English language (see, under your name, ‘Options’, ‘Language). Go to ‘Player’, you see ‘Courses available’, select ‘Virtualpatient-Work.Net – English course’. Select this case. You can complete a case once. Changing answers after completing is not possible.
