SNAPPS: a learner-centered model for outpatient education.

Full Abstract

The unique character of medical education in the outpatient setting has created challenges in teaching and learning that cannot be solved by the adaptation of traditional inpatient approaches. Previous work and the authors' own observational study describe a relatively passive learner focused on reporting history and physical examination data to the preceptor. Based on the work of Bordage in cognitive learning, and that of Osterman and Kottkamp on reflective practice for educators, the authors have developed a collaborative model for case presentations in the outpatient setting that links learner initiation and preceptor facilitation in an active learning conversation. This learner-centered model for case presentations to the preceptor follows a mnemonic called SNAPPS consisting of six steps:
(1) Summarize briefly the history and findings; (2) Narrow the differential to two or three relevant possibilities; (3) Analyze the differential by comparing and contrasting the possibilities; (4) Probe the preceptor by asking questions about uncertainties, difficulties, or alternative approaches; (5) Plan management for the patient's medical issues; and (6) Select a case-related issue for self-directed learning. The authors conducted a pilot study of SNAPPS, introducing the model to both third-year medical students and their preceptors. Feedback was enthusiastic and underscored the importance of the paired approach. SNAPPS represents a paradigm shift in ambulatory education that engages the learner and creates a collaborative learning conversation in the context of patient care.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Wolpaw, Terry M (TM); Wolpaw, Daniel R (DR); Papp, Klara K (KK);

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-5529, USA. txw34(-atsign-)po.cwru.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges (Acad Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Sep; vol 78 (issue 9) : pp 893-8

Dates: Created 2003/09/25; Completed 2003/10/28; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 14507619, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Ambulatory Care
Education, Medical, Undergraduate - methods
Humans
Learning
Models, Educational

Models, Educational
Outpatients - education
Patient Education as Topic - methods
Preceptorship
Teaching - methods

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.