Effectiveness of early clinical exposure in medical education

Abstract

Early clinical exposure (ECE) is a teaching-learning methodology which fosters the exposure of medical students to the patients as early as the first year of medical college. A worldwide number of research studies investigated the outcome of ECE and found, ECE sessions motivate the medical student in various ways making their academic strength, improve clinical skills, and improve communication skills and making them more confident. In the medical curriculum, ECE makes an overall impact on student's performance and confidence. Planning of ECE in real-time practices can be done in different settings with the use of appropriate resources such as logbook, textbooks, notes, instruments, learning material, case record sheets, and computers. Herewith, we reviewed the scientific base responsible for these outcomes and discussed different ECE settings and their outcome. The Medical Council of India in new educational reforms made ECE sessions compulsory from 2019 in undergraduate medical curriculum. In conclusion, the challenge for health professions education is to look for ways to improve the quality of clinical education by comparing students’ understanding and modifying practices of clinical education in new circumstances. Early clinical experience will definitely play a crucial role in this context, only if proper strategies are implemented. This systemic review article highlights ECE settings and scientific basis in a theoretical way helpful for medical faculties during its implementation in regular teaching.

Third Year MBBS - Gateway to Clinical Skills Learning

“… 5 It has been found that early clinical exposure motivates the students in various ways, increasing their academic strength and improving clinical skills. 6 From wards, outpatient department to neonatal intensive care unit, operation theatre and Emergency we observed, practised, and learnt the fundamental concepts, moral attitudes, communication skills and empathy.…”

Shaping Perceptions and Inspiring Future Neurosurgeons: The Value of a Hands-On Simulated Aneurysm Clipping Workshops at a Student-Organized Neurosurgical Conference

“… 1 If medical students wish to pursue such a competitive specialty, they need early exposure to make an informed choice to commit themselves. 2 3 In the United Kingdom, aspiring neurosurgeons must demonstrate a rich portfolio of extracurricular achievements to highlight dedication and insight into the specialty. 4 Often, the achievements required to secure a neurosurgical training position take several years.…”

A Transitional Experience: Basic Science to Clinical Rotation

“… 1 Meanwhile, clinical classes encourage medical students in a variety of ways, including their academic performance, clinical competency, communication abilities, and self-assurance. 2 Due to the ongoing scientific revolution in medicine, it is imperative that MBBS graduates need to have a solid foundation in the basic sciences and through clinical experiences, students can put their learning to use and pick up new abilities under the supervision of a preceptor. 3 The basics and clinical are two essential components of the MBBS curriculum, and as we progress from the basics to the clinical, there is a change in study subjects, as well as how we feel and what we experience as medical students.…”