DIEM Cases
Welcome to the new age in medical education for Emergency Medicine!
The Digital Instruction in Emergency Medicine (DIEM) cases are online simulation "games" or cases, which allow the user to navigate through a variety of patient complaints and presentations. Similar to high-fidelity simulation, these cases are dynamic, contain multimedia content, and provide a realistic approach to patient management; however in contrast, users can complete these cases anytime and anywhere. All you need is internet access and a computer with Flash capability.
The DIEM modules are especially unique in several ways:
- There is a timer built into the cases to enhance a sense of realism.
- Many parts of the physical exam are displayed for the user to interpret (rather than telling the user what was found).
- When ordering laboratory tests, each test must be justified.
- At the end of each case, the user is required to write up the Emergency Department chart. Documentation is a crucial skill, which medical students often do not get to practice enough in the age of Electronic Medical Records.
- Similar to true simulation exercises, case debriefing is just as important as participation in the case. There is a debriefing section for each DIEM module, which includes an area for self-reflection, a discussion of Critical Actions, and the "ideal" chart writeup.
The DIEM concept was developed in 2008 by a team of experts in EM, medical education, and software programming, who all donated their time towards building an innovative approach to teaching and learning. After multiple rounds of testing and editing, the DIEM site is now available. We sincerely hope that educators and learners find these modules useful.
DIEM Project Leader
Michelle Lin, MD
DIEM Programmer
Dave Hsu
DIEM Creative Team
Corey Heitz, MD
Lorraine Thibodeau, MD
Sorabh Khandelwal, MD
Jonathan Fisher, MD