Annals Virtual Patients test physicians' decision-making skills

Annals of Internal Medicine released a new interactive medical education tool designed to test physicians' decision-making skills. Annals Virtual Patients uses a unique “if this, then that” format, so each learner goes down his or her own path through a complex clinical simulation. Each simulation covers the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of a virtual patient. Upon completion of each case, physicians may earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits.

Annals Virtual Patients is uniquely formatted to allow physicians to learn from mistakes as they proceed through the simulations. Selecting a response prompts a detailed explanation of the medical consequences based on the answer chosen. At the end of each case, the physician is presented with a complete summary of the clinical problem and solution.

The cases were developed by Annals of Internal Medicine editors in collaboration with faculty of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.