Evaluating the Effectiveness of Early Clinical Exposure Program in Learning Clinical Anatomy among Medical Undergraduates

Early Clinical Exposure Program in Learning Clinical Anatomy Among Medical

Abstract

Introduction: Early clinical exposure (ECE) is viewed as a way to provide contexts of basic science and highlight its relevance to medical practice. It is one of the measures taken by Medical Council of India to enact its vision 2015. ECE promotes self directed learning and analytical skills in students when they are exposed to it at an earlier phase. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted among volunteered participants of first year medical undergraduate during their regular ECE sessions in the department of Anatomy at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry after the approval of Instituitional Ethical Committee. The ECE program was used as a supplement to the traditional lectures. Feedback questionnaire after getting validated by the faculty were filled by the students.  Results: Statistical analysis was done by Students Paired T-Test. The Pre-Test score was (44.5+_16.1) and the Post -Test Score was (53.1+_14.54). The P- value obtained was 0.0009 which was extremely significant. The results demonstrated that the ECE program will definetly influence the analytical understanding aspects along with getting accustomed to the hospital environment for the students. On a longer run it will have major impact on the academic as well on the attitudinal aspect of students.  Conclusion: Medical students found their first experience with clinical setting valuable. Providing clinical exposure in the initial years of medical curricula and teaching the application of basic sciences knowledge in clinical practice can enhance students understanding of the role they will play in the future as a physician.