A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE PERCEPTION AND CHALLENGES FACED BY THE FACULTY OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION FOR UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM, MAHARASHTRA.

Abstract

Introduction: Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is a modern approach to medical education that is being adopted in medical colleges throughout India. The emphasis on outcome-based teaching, learning, and evaluation techniques has brought about a substantial change in the role of the teacher. In the framework of CBME, faculty development is crucial. The new CBME's implementation will be successful if faculty perceptions are factored into the equation, and problems are addressed. Aim & objectives: To assess the perceptions of the Community Medicine faculty and the challenges they encounter in implementing Competency-Based Medical Education for undergraduate curriculum. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among Community Medicine faculty from all medical colleges of Mumbai between September and November 2022. Faculties were interviewed in person using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire on CBME and non-probability volunteer's opt-in sampling technique was adopted. Responses were entered and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Results: 56 faculties responded to the questionnaire, majority have undergone at least one faculty development program mandatory for CBME implementation. The majority of the faculty accepted skill training and small group discussion as a useful approach for teaching & learning. Many supported the implementation of family adoption program. Major challenges perceived were lack of uniformity in assessment, interdepartmental cooperation, lack of resources and insufcient training to implement the CBME curriculum. Conclusion: The faculty's perception of the various CBME elements and facets varied greatly, and they were broadly supportive of CBME enforcement. Yet, there are important obstacles in the form of resources and adequate faculty training that need to be addressed by the Medical Education Unit (MEU).