Abstract
Background: Pharmacology is one of the most fundamental subjects in the field of medicine and a good grasp of this subject is vital for any clinical practitioner. The teaching of pharmacology in medical and dental colleges of India has evolved from mere didactic lectures to audio-visual aid based lectures and computer based learning. Aim: To identify strengths and weaknesses in the current teaching-learning and evaluation methodology in pharmacology using feedback from the undergraduates of Late Shree Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in March-April 2015. The tool used was pretested questionnaire. A total of 150 students from II, III, &Final year MBBS participated in study. They were administered a pre-validated questionnaire after explaining them the purpose of the study. Suggestions were also asked regarding the qualities of good pharmacology teachers and modification in pharmacology teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed as percentage. Results: The students’ opinion revealed important information. Most of the students are aware that pharmacology as one of the most important subjects in the medical curriculum. Many students wanted the use of audiovisual aids and introduction of integrated teaching, also clinical demonstrations on the manikin . Conclusion : The present study has helped us to elicit the student preference regarding pharmacology teaching and its Outcome would be helpful in modifying undergraduate pharmacology teaching patterns.
Highlights
Pharmacology forms the backbone of rational therapeutics, being both a basic and applied science
78% students said that they know pharmacology somewhat before it was introduced to them in II MBBS 14% of students opined that they do not know about Pharmacology before it was introduced to them in II MBBS, whereas
Regarding their opinion about Pharmacology 47.50% expressed that the subject is very useful, practically important and interesting and 25.7% of them opined that the subject is useful but boring, but 19.2 % expressed that the subject is useless but interesting, rest 7.6% stated that it is useless and boring (Figure:2)
Summary
Pharmacology forms the backbone of rational therapeutics, being both a basic and applied science. The primary objective of teaching pharmacology is to enable undergraduate medical students to take rational therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.[1] It is one of the most evolving branches in medical sciences. It has focused more on factual information, with little or no emphasis on clinical and applied aspects. Clinical utility and relevance of these practical exercises have always been questioned and criticized.[2] The aim of undergraduate medical teaching is to impart knowledge, attitude and skills to the student. Various methods for teaching undergraduate Medical students include lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, experimental exercises, case discussions, etc.
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