Table 1 Results of each dependant variable according to outcome categories in the case encounters

Summarize patient findings

Total presentation length (in minutes) (Mean ± SD)

7.19 ± 1.08

5.56 ± 1.12

t = 5.45

p = < 0.01

Summary conciseness as a proportion of whole

2.28

1.60

0.6984

Duration of summary (in minutes) (Mean ± SD)

3.15 ± 0.98

3.48 ± 0.80

t = − 1.36

p = 0.177

Duration of discussion (in minutes) (Mean ± SD)

4.04 ± 1.25

2.07 ± 0.73

t = 7.05

p = < 0.01

Narrowing a differential diagnosis/

Summary thoroughness – number of basic clinical attributes covered (Mean ± SD)

7 ± 2.27

5.22 ± 2.33

t = 2.84

p = 0.006

Number of diagnoses kept(Dx) in differential diagnosis (DDx) (Mean ± SD)

2.56 ± 0.75

1.74 ± 1.02

t = 3.33

p = 0.002

Analyzing differential diagnosis

Number of basic attributes in support of Dx in the DDx(Mean ± SD)

2.04 ± 1.06

1.07 ± 0.73

t = 3.89

p = < 0.01

Number of justified Dx in the DDx (Median-IQR)

Median – 2.0

SD – 0.97

IQR (2–3)

Median – 0.00

SD – 0.82

IQR (0–1)

p = < 0.01*

Number of distinct comparisons made between two diseases (Median-IQR)

Median – 2.0

SD – 1.02

IQR (2–3)

Median – 0.00

SD – 0.89

IQR (0–2)

p = < 0.01*

Probe preceptor- Expressing uncertainties

Number of uncertainties expressed and obtained clarifications (Mean ± SD)

2.19 ± 0.68

1.07 ± 1.04

t = 4.65

p = < 0.01

Percentage of students seeking clarification and information by asking questions by acknowledging their uncertainties

26 (96.29%)

16 (59.26%)

X² = 8.72

p = 0.0031

Discussed patient management plan

Percentage of presentations of students initiating patient management plan

27 (100%)

21 (77.8%)

X² = 8.33

p = 0.004

Discussed case related topics and resources

Percentage of presentation by students initiating discussion by identifying topics and issues related to case and patient care for self directed learning

27 (100%)

9 (33.3%)

X² = 3.0

p = 0.083