"To facilitate student learning in the field of drug dependence in primary care through the use of internet based learning resources"

 

Background Information

Staff from the Primary Care Clinic for Drug Dependence have been involved in the teaching of medical students and other health care professionals since its establishment. drugdependence.co.uk was established in mid 2003 with the aim of facilitating the teaching provided.

 

drugdependence.co.uk was created by Dr Terry Hudsen, during his time as a medical student at the University of Sheffield Medical School, as a personal project to provide learning resources for medical students during their general practice module. Terry was attached the the clinic and the Addiction Research Unit for a year in 2003 to undertake a research degree (Bachelor of Medical Science) and developed an interest in medical education, drug dependence and primary care. As a result, his interest in computer based learning led to the creation of this website. He has independently created the website and developed a special study module for medical students.

 

He graduated in 2006 an is now working as a Foundation Doctor.

 

Progress

The website was set up in August 2003. Initially the site was a very small and basic site that contained very sparse information. The initial site contained contact information and a set of text lecture notes.

August 2003

The first version of the website was created. Basic information about the clinic was available, with details for students on how to apply for clinical attachments. September 2003
A new option module was created by Terry Hudsen. Students could apply for a 7 week rotation at the clinic following a structured learning plan. Teaching notes, timetables and module handbook were made available.

January 2004

A new look theme was created for the website.In addition to this, several sets of lecture notes and powerpoint presentations were uploaded. A joint decision between the Primary Care Clinic and the University Department of General Practice was made to offer ALL medical students in the 4th Year the opportunity to attend the clinic. As a result, more learning resources were made available to students. A new bulleting board system was added to the website to allow medical students to discuss various educational issues around drug dependence.

March 2004

Increased interest from students resulted in further sets of lecture slides being uploaded, along with the introduction of online methods of assessment. An EMQ and MCQ test system was introduced onto the site to allow students to undertake formative assessment at their convienience. June 2004
An online booking system was introduced to allow students to book their clinical observation sessions at the clinic online, at a time that was convenient to them. This increased flexibility for both staff and students.

August 2004

A new theme was created for the website. The theme is still in use today. December 2004
The wesbite was expanded to incorporate the GP Network in Sheffield. New information on training for GPs, referrals to the clinic and patient information was added to the site. The online forum hosts a discussion and news area for the GP Network

August 2005

A survey of medical students using drugdependence.co.uk to book their sessions showed an almost 100% agreement from medical students that this was an easy and effective way to organise their placements. The report was forwarded to the medical school.

November 2005

New online assessments we added to the website

January 2006

drugdependence.co.uk receives a new look. The site has been simplified to make use more streamlined and user-friendly. Feedback on this is appreciated and can be fed back to the site via the online forum.

January 2007

The website ceased working in its previous capacity and adopted a wider approach. The site continues to provide educational materials to students in Sheffield, but now additional provides learning support to medical students at the University of Nottingham Medical School at Derby. The intended audience is for all students and health care professionals with an interest in substance misuse. The booking systems are not provided by the respective organisations hosting the medical students (Primary Care Clinic for Drug Dependence in Sheffield and the Bradshaw Clinic in Derby)

March 2007

Drugdependence was relaunched after a short break offline. The website look was streamlined and redesigned to provide easier browsing with a new image.

 

Future Direction

The site is still entirely run by Dr Hudsen as a personal project. The Online Booking System is to be passed over to the staff of the Primary Care Clinic for Drug Dependence in July 2005. New systems have meant that this will be easier for them to administrate on site.

There are plans to introduce a directory of drug services in Sheffield, to allow health care professionals and patients to select appropriate services to meet their needs. Many GPs contact the wesbite or clinic staff to ask for this information.

There has recently been a lot of interest for external organisations with regard to advertising publications, conferences and seminars on the website. It is planned that the online forum will be the place these activities will be hosted. This allows our members to have direct access to this information.