Main characteristics of the two CD-ROM tutors
| Interactive Rheumatology Tutor | RheumaTutor | |
| Language | English | German |
| Main purpose | Enhance teaching and learning of Rheumatology as a practical discipline | Case based training in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases |
| Suitable for | Medical students, general practitioners, paramedical personnel | Medical students, general practitioners |
| Cases | 35 | 25 |
| Number of photographs | >100 | 1–5 per case |
| Number of radiographic examples | >100 | 1–5 per case |
| Pathology images | 60 | None |
| Video and audio clips | 33 | None |
| Background textual material | Texts from journals and other sources | Quality Guidelines of the German Rheumatological Association |
| History taking | Illustrated by examples, followed by a single question for the student | Questions can be selected from a list |
| Physical examination | Illustrated by video clips, with spoken text | Interpretation of colour images, critiqued by the system |
| Laboratory examination | Textual information | Tests may be selected from a list |
| Radiological diagnosis | Illustrations on radiographs, clarifying anatomy | Thorough interpretation of abnormalities in rheumatic conditions, with critique |
| Differential diagnosis | ||
| Treatment | Textual information | Included in cases |
| Expert system | Simple system, generates hypotheses | Not included |
| Cost effectiveness of diagnostic strategies | Absent | Graphical representation of cost in terms of economy, time, and patient discomfort |
| Examination or critique of students | Quiz, resulting in score | Test cases, with scoring and critiquse for history, physical exam, radiological interpretation, and case handling |