Linear cases

Most virtual patients tend to be linear. That is, there is one main pathway to the case that learners move back and forth along.

Incidental resource files can be accessed but there is one single critical path to follow.

Commonly, these cases follow the traditional medical HEIDR format:

• History
• Examination
• Investigations
• Diagnosis
• Therapy (Rx )

For early learners, this is a useful approach. But expert clinicians are more likely to take shortcuts (for better or worse) or vary their approach in problem-solving.