THE INFLUENCE OF EARLY CLINICAL EXPOSURE MODULE IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Introduction: In traditional medical curriculum basic science subjects were taught in isolation from clinical subjects. Students would thereby find it difficult to retain concepts in basic sciences, recall and co-relate it when clinical setting was encountered. Early clinical exposure is early authentic patient contact in clinical or social setting which helps to enhance the understanding of health or illness/disease and the role of medical professional. The objective of this study was to study the influence of early clinical exposure for a module on jaundice on undergraduate students and faculty perception.

Materials and Methods: ECE module on jaundice was introduced for study in first MBBS students. Pre-validated questionnaire was used for data collection and student and faculty perception about the module was evaluated.

Results: Participating students got better score in post-test (6. 03 + 1.701) as compared with pre-test (5.82+1.701) although the results were not statistically significant. 92% students and faculty positively rated and appraised ECE as a teaching learning tool.

Conclusion: ECE module on jaundice generated interest in students and could help students co-relate basic science concepts with cases. This could lead to improvement in academic performance and better patient care.

Keywords: Early clinical exposure; student, faculty perception