Implementation of a Hypothesis-Driven Physical Exam Session in a Transition to Clerkship Program

Introduction: The head-to-toe approach to teaching the physical examination (PE) focuses on technique and performing a comprehensive PE whereas core + clusters and hypothesis-driven PE (HDPE) approaches integrate clinical reasoning into performing a focused PE. These approaches can be implemented in a developmental sequence. We report the implementation and evaluation of an HDPE educational session. Methods: We designed a 3-hour HDPE session as part of a transition to clerkship program. For each of five clinical vignettes, rising third-year students worked in pairs and then in small groups to generate a differential diagnosis and determine relevant PE maneuvers. Students next performed these maneuvers on peers with facilitator observation and feedback. Students completed postsession surveys on their retrospective pre- and postsession knowledge and confidence, as well as their satisfaction with the session. We completed quantitative and qualitative analyses on survey data. Results: One hundred ninety-two students participated, and 140 (73%) completed the survey. Students were significantly more likely to report feeling confident generating a differential diagnosis and using it to select PE maneuvers for common complaints postsession. Over 80% of respondents felt the session improved critical thinking about patient presentations and would help them in clerkships. Discussion: Our session increased student confidence in the progression to performing an HDPE just prior to the start of clerkships. The session is feasible and straightforward to implement. It requires a large number of faculty to facilitate, but the breadth of cases used allows inclusion of faculty from all fields.