4papers in this issue.
Background; The clinical clerkship is essential for ensuring that newly licensed doctors of Korean Medicine (KM) have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide optimal patient care. Pre-clerkship training is gaining significance as it equips trainees with the necessary skills to effectively interact with patients in medical settings and deal with unexpected events. The present study aims to report the design, development, and implementation of online course content for pre-clerkship training, and to explore its potential in fostering the development of competent future doctors of KM. Methods; This study is a qualitative case study on e-learning content design and development. This study referred to the rapid prototyping instructional systems design model to develop a series of e-learning content from January to February 2024. Project initiation, analysis, design, development, and implementation were conducted in parallel, rather than sequentially. Usability testing and evaluation of the program were not involved in this study. Results; An instructional designer, client, and developer formed a project team. Analysis results were derived from literature review and discussion with the subject matter expert. Storyboards for the lecture type and demonstration type were designed. The <KM Rehabilitation clerkship: real patient care and charting> series were developed into seven video classes based on paper-based storyboards. The online lecture videos were uploaded on YouTube, and students were provided access to the video. Discussion and conclusion; This study presents detailed steps for designing, developing, and implementing online lecture videos to supplement the clinical clerkship in KM education. Further investigations on the design of curriculum for preclerkship training and effective teaching strategies are needed.
Background; The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and radiological technologies has transformed the medical landscape, increasing the need for their integration into Korean medicine education. Traditional acupuncture courses, which emphasize theoretical instruction, often fail to develop the clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills required for clinical practice. Methods; A discussion-based education model integrating imaging diagnostics (X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound) was designed to enhance students' clinical competence. The course involved small group discussions, case-based analysis, and diagnostic image interpretation. The curriculum was delivered through a 5-week program with weekly 2-hour sessions, covering both theoretical foundations and clinical applications. Group discussions were guided by structured questions, and students submitted collaborative reports for assessment. Results, Discussion and Conclusion; The new educational model demonstrated increased student confidence in image interpretation, enhanced communication skills, and greater engagement in self-directed learning. Students reported reduced anxiety toward diagnostic imaging and improved critical thinking skills. Challenges included time constraints and varying levels of participation. Proposed improvements include mandatory individual contributions, enhanced feedback, and the use of medical imaging software for interactive learning. This approach equips future doctors of Korean medicine with essential skills to navigate the evolving healthcare environment, fostering a more integrated and holistic medical practice.
Background; This study aims to describe an educational case on how pulse, abdominal, and tongue diagnosis methods can be taught effectively to Korean medicine students during clinical clerkship. Methods; A case is presented where these three diagnostic methods were integrated into a single practice process, along with relevant images, objectives, and performance conditions. Results; Learning objectives, procedures, and case images for pulse diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis were documented. Discussion and conclusion; Pulse diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis are unique methods that differentiate them from Western medicine among the objective diagnostic techniques of Korean medicine. To enhance objectivity and further systematization, the contents and procedures to be prepared are provided as examples. Pulse diagnosis can be performed in both sitting and lying positions, with measurements taken at the cun, guan, and chi points on both wrists. In the case of abdominal examination, the temperature of the skin, roughness, tenderness, shaking sound of water, and palpitation were measured, and in the case of tongue diagnosis, a picture was taken to examine the condition of the tongue. These examinations may facilitate peer discussion and promote the development of standardized evaluation criteria. In the future, efforts to refine the examination checklist and validate using diagnostic tools are expected to be necessary for abdominal examination and tongue examinations.
Background; This study analyzed a survey on the evaluation and accreditation process of Korean medicine education at D University of Korean Medicine. The research aimed to examine the validity of the KAS2022 evaluation, gather data for improving Korean medicine education quality, and identify educational strengths and weaknesses. Methods; A survey was conducted among 19 self-evaluation committee members, including professors from basic sciences, clinical sciences, and medical education at D College of Korean Medicine. The survey covered various aspects of the accreditation process, including perceptions, preparation, understanding of standards, opinions on criteria, views on student growth, and satisfaction. Professors from different fields analyzed the results, drawing conclusions through further discussions. Results; Results showed that while professors recognized the necessity of accreditation, they expressed concerns about its implementation challenges, including workload, effectiveness, and lack of support. Difficulties were noted in areas such as curriculum design, student assessment, and resource allocation. Discussion and conclusion; The study concludes that future accreditation processes should focus on simplifying evaluation content, providing appropriate faculty support, and ensuring that accreditation directly contributes to improving educational quality and student competencies.