Exploring the Map of Medicine's potential in undergraduate medical education.

BACKGROUND: Map of Medicine is a web-based knowledge resource depicting evidence-based pathways of patient care. Recent publications suggest a possible role for the Map of Medicine as a training tool in postgraduate education. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the potential of the Map of Medicine to enhance undergraduate medical education. METHODS: A mixed-method study including a survey of UK medical schools, and the embedding of the resource at one medical school and the evaluation of its impact. RESULTS: The survey found that only 1 of 23 medical schools was using the Map of Medicine in its undergraduate curriculum. The Peninsula Medical School students' reaction to the resource was extremely positive. Students liked the Map of Medicine's navigability and help in accessing reliable information. Use of the resource by students grew steadily throughout the period of the study and peaked at 595 sessions a month. There was evidence that usage was directly linked to curricular events, particularly problem-based learning tutorials and medical knowledge assessments. CONCLUSION: There is clear potential for the Map of Medicine in undergraduate medical education and a short-active period of resource promotion led to its embedding within routine learning practice.