A study on reflection of entry-level foundation course by the first year medical students

Abstract

Background: The selection of the students as recommended by the Medical Council of India (MCI) is based on the merit of candidate at qualifying examination and/or a competitive medical entrance. The selection criteria do not take care of non-scholastic abilities of the students, there is diversity in cultural backgrounds and they also face difficulty in adapting to the new environment, introduction of foundation course would be of benefit and so the present study was conducted to review the from the students their inference of this foundation course at entry level. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to explore the student’s feedback on foundation course in the 1st year MBBS. Materials and Methods: A foundation course and orientation program of 1 month (August 2–August 31) was conducted in Government Medical College, Nagpur, as per the MCI modification in the curriculum of MBBS program. This has been implemented for the 1st time in August 2019. The foundation course had different modules including orientation module, skill module, community visits, and stress management. Two feedbacks were taken from the students in the form of questionnaires (first regarding the topics of the modules and the other for the delivery of the module). The results were analyzed after 30 days. Results: The overall rating for the topics in the foundation course was satisfactory (score 4) by the students with few topics needed more understanding (score 1). Feedback questions for the assessment of teaching and learning methods were also reflected in the positive way. Conclusion: The students appreciated the inception of foundation course at entry level, with effective understanding and application of basic science knowledge, the feedback given by the students would certainly be of help in improvisation and betterment in future.