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Abstract
Background: Despite the advent of evidence-based medicine, clinical pearls, verbal and published, remain a popular and important part of medical education.
Aims: The purpose of this study was to establish a definition of a clinical pearl and to determine criteria for an educationally sound clinical pearl.
Methods: The authors searched the Medline database for material dealing with clinical pearls, examined and discussed the information found, and formulated a consensus opinion regarding the definition and criteria.
Results: Clinical pearls are best defined as small bits of free standing, clinically relevant information based on experience or observation. They are part of the vast domain of experience-based medicine, and can be helpful in dealing with clinical problems for which controlled data do not exist.
Conclusions: While there are no universally accepted criteria for preparing or evaluating a clinical pearl, we propose some rational guidelines for both.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Martin I. Lorin
MARTIN LORIN, MD is Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair for Educational Affairs with the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. His current educational interests include clinical reasoning skills and the lecture as an effective teaching tool.
Debra L. Palazzi
DEBRA L. PALAZZI, MD is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. She is coordinator of the student and resident electives in pediatric Infectious Diseases and attends on the infectious disease and general inpatient services. Dr Palazzi has a special interest in teaching in the inpatient setting.
Teri L. Turner
TERI L. TURNER, MD, MPH, MEd is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. She is involved in educational affairs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr Turner has conducted workshops on the application of educational principles to clinical teaching, nationally as well as locally.
Mark A. Ward
MARK A. WARD, MD is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Pediatric Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Ward is involved in teaching on the inpatient service and in the emergency center.