Differences in teaching about the acute sore throat within one medical faculty.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the consistency of teaching about the acute sore throat in four departments in one medical faculty, and to determine whether there is agreement between what is taught and the evidence-based literature.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS: 71 undergraduates and 15 postgraduate general practice registrars and four lecturers.

RESULTS

Differences were identified in teaching about the diagnostic value of a throat swab, a full blood count and clinical scoring, as well as on the use of penicillin in suspected streptococcal pharyngitis. Only one department based their teaching on the evidence-based literature. No department discussed issues of cost-effectiveness. Half of the students identified discrepancies in the teaching about the sore throat and were initially confused by them.

CONCLUSION

One method of resolving disagreement between teachers from different disciplines is to rely on the evidence-based literature. This type of study can be useful in curricular development and in correcting teaching inconsistencies within a faculty.