Case study patients have been developed within our virtual community and their electronic medical records have been built into the clinical information system.  This allows students to access patient information for assignments, such as prior to simulated experiences.  To prepare for a virtual patient simulation, students use a template designed to assure that they examine theoretical components of the patient’s condition, best practices for the diagnosis, and components of the patient’s chart prior to the simulation event.  As an assignment following the simulation, the students again using this preparation tool, data within the electronic record, and treatment modalities applied, to develop a plan of care for the patient.  Both nursing and medical interventions must be grounded in the evidence based literature available.

 During their clinical rotations, students use PDA’s to research patient care topics, medications, or laboratory and diagnostic test information.  Faculty prep work to facilitate use of PDAs will be discussed.  Students are more active in their learning, and knowledge is shared more collaboratively among students, since building in the informatics concepts, competencies and tools into the curricula.