Table 4 Summary of advantages and disadvantages of VP as a learning tool identified in the qualitative analysis
From: The virtual patient as a learning tool: a mixed quantitative qualitative study
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
— Learning in the creation of logical and structured processes — More organized notion — Motivates students — Allows for making mistakes with no consequences — Integrate knowledge — There is no pressure from the professor — There is no pressure from the real patient — Intuitive use — Review and reassess the information available — Easy to use — Increases students’ curiosity — Useful early on in the career — The simulation may be repeated as many times as desired | — As the sole methodology, it becomes somewhat monotonous — Some aspects cannot be simulated; it does not replace interaction with a real patient — It does not suffice to provide for the complexity of medical doctor / patient interaction — Complementary methodologies must be used — Since it is a computer-aided simulation model, it may pose technical problems upon implementation thereof |