Effectiveness of integrated teaching module in pharmacology among medical undergraduates

Abstract

Context:Over the years with advancement of science and technology, each subject has become highly specialized. Teaching of medical students has still remained separate in various departments with no scope of integration in majority of medical institutes in India. Study was planned to have an experience of integration in institute and sensitize faculty for integrated teaching–learning (TL) method.Aims:To prepare and test effectiveness of integrated teaching module for 2nd year MBBS student in pharmacology and to sensitize and motivate faculties toward advantages of implementing integrated module.Settings and Design:Education intervention project implemented 2nd year MBBS students of Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat.Subjects and Methods:Students of second MBBS were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to integrated teaching sessions and another to traditional method. Both the groups were assessed by pre- and post-test questionnaire, feedback and focus group discussions were conducted to know their experience about process.Results:A total of 165 students of the 2nd year MBBS were exposed to the integrated teaching module for two topics in two groups. One group was taught by traditional teaching, and another group was exposed to the integrated TL session. Both the groups have shown a significant improvement in posttest scores but increase in mean score was more in integrated group. During analysis of feedback forms, it was noted that students preferred integrated TL methods since they help in better understanding. Faculty feedback shows consensus over the adaptation of integrated TL methods.Conclusions:Integrated TL sessions were well-appreciated by students and faculties. To improve the critical reasoning skills and self-directed learning of students, integrated TL is highly recommended for must know areas of curriculum.

Student’s perception about Modular teaching and various instructional strategies in the subject of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“…In a study by Preeti P Yadav and colleagues, 75 % of students reinforce similar findings. 16 Another study demonstrates that active learning modules are associated with better understanding of abstract concepts (77%) and more teacher-student interaction. 17 In a published research, 94% students reported that interactive sessions facilitate interest in subject and motivate for more study.…”

Second year medical students’ feedback on teaching-learning methodologies and evaluation methods in Pharmacology: a questionnaire based study

“…21 Effective implementation resulted in improved critical reasoning skills and better understanding of concepts by the students. 22,23 Most of the students mentioned in the study that field visits to pharmaceutical industry, clinical research organization and preclinical testing laboratories helps in better understanding of pharmacology. Due to various reasons, we were unable to arrange for field visits for this group of students.…”

Integrated teaching in medical education in India: Scope, current status and opportunities

“…1 Integrated teaching reduces the amount of information overload associated with the traditional curriculum, where there is more focus on the delivery of detailed information and minimal emphasis is given to the link between various subjects and their clinical application. 1,3 Moreover, integrated learning encourages learning in a comprehensive manner and reduces boundaries among various subjects and their departments while encouraging coordination among departments, including providing faculty members with multiple learning opportunities. 2,3 In addition, it discourages repetition of the same topic across different subjects.…”

“…1,3 Moreover, integrated learning encourages learning in a comprehensive manner and reduces boundaries among various subjects and their departments while encouraging coordination among departments, including providing faculty members with multiple learning opportunities. 2,3 In addition, it discourages repetition of the same topic across different subjects. 1 Realizing the scope and the merits of the integrated curriculum, medical colleges have begun to initiate implementation.…”

“…1 Realizing the scope and the merits of the integrated curriculum, medical colleges have begun to initiate implementation. [2][3][4] At present, most have started integrated teaching, and both horizontal and vertical forms of integrated learning are being practiced. 2,3 In some institutes, vertical integrated learning is restricted to first year, where specialists from clinical branches are invited to share their applied knowledge.…”