Assessment of the impact of short term studentship program on attitude of undergraduate medical students toward future research

Abstract

Context: Exposure to research is essential in modern undergraduate (UG) medical curriculum. In India, various bodies like Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Science and Technology, Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana are promoting this. The ICMR initiated short term studentship (STS) program in 1979 to promote interest and aptitude for research in medical and dental students. Objectives: To analyze the STS program as a tool in sensitization of UG medical students toward research activity and to study the effect of UG research experience on student learning and attitude. Materials and Methods: The UG students from this institute who had completed STS projects were included in the study. They were given a questionnaire and briefly interviewed. Analysis of the factors contributing and inhibiting to take up research was done. Mainly qualitative methods were used. Results: A total of 72 students participated in the study. Among them were 20 (27.7%) were boys and 52 (72.2%) were girls Thirty (41.7%) students took up project to get oriented toward research, while 20 (27.8%) had interest in research. Inhibitions for taking up the projects were lack of knowledge, time constrains and lack of confidence. Factors attributed for successful project completion were constant support from guide, self-enthusiasm and proper time management. About 97.2% felt project has made significant difference in understanding of the subject. Totally 41% students were unable to present or publish the work done. The main hurdle faced for not presenting or publishing the work done was time constraint due to voluminous UG medical curriculum. Conclusion: Overall impact of this program was good. Though, the students showed good attitude toward research, the factors which are inhibiting the other students to come forward for projects needs to be addressed.