USE OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING FOR TEACHING SURGERY TO FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Vikram Singh Chauhan, Pradeep Deb, P.L. Kariholu, Sanjay Kumar Pal, Nitesh Kumar

Abstract


Background - Problem based learning (PBL) is being used in North America for past 40 years with >80% of medical schools currently using it, but not commonly in India. Here students think critically, generate ideas, acquire knowledge and skills required to become a doctor using scenarios to define their own learning objectives. PBL improves retention of subject, provides in depth training with better performance in exams.

Aim and Objectives - To assess PBL method for surgery teaching, its feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, advantages & limitations in our setup.

Methodology - After sensitization, 49 undergraduate students of final year in five groups were exposed to 4 facilitated contact sessions of PBL covering two topics by six tutors. Students pursued SDL following group dynamics under principles of PBL. After one week, the group leader summarized their presentation to the facilitator who led to optimal completion of learning. Students were assessed by a short case presentation after completion of sessions. Both the involved faculty and students responded to a 5-point Likert scale-based questionnaire with faculty also reporting their experience observation of participating in PBL. Thematic analyses with narrative description done.

Findings - More than 65% of students reported improvement in clinical reasoning skills, 92.8%, 91.8%, >85% perceived PBL made learning interesting, motivated self-directed learning, improved presentation skills respectively. Nearly all students and faculty felt that PBL was time consuming. 93.9 % of students and 100% of faculty endorsed use of PBL for undergraduate surgery teaching. Analyses of student assessment showed statistically significant improvement in approach to topic, absolute knowledge and presentation skills.

Conclusion - In spite of obvious drawbacks, PBL for undergraduate surgery teaching is feasible, acceptable with motivated tutors and can be applied without disrupting established curriculum.

Keywords


Problem based learning, Surgery teaching, Medical education, PBL, Surgery teaching, Surgery.

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