Do pharmacology faculties welcome the new competency-based undergraduate curriculum? A nationwide questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Background: In 2018, Medical Council of India (MCI) recommended competency-based medical education (CBME) for medical undergraduates. Aim and objective: A questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the perceptions and preparedness of pharmacology faculties on CBME. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among pharmacology faculties selected on basis of any one or more of the following criteria: (1) Faculties who attended the national faculty development program conducted by MCI and (2) Members of Indian Society for Rational Pharmacotherapeutics. The questionnaire was made available through Google doc online platform which was e-mailed/WhatsApp to selected participants. It included questions related to components of the curriculum, namely, objectives, teaching–learning methods, and integration of disciplines. The responses received were analyzed in Microsoft Excel sheet using descriptive statistics. Results: Questionnaire was sent to 1424 participants out of which 144 (10.1%) responded. Majority (27.8%) had 6–10 years of postgraduate teaching experience. A total of 130 (90.3%) respondents were aware of CBME; sensitization workshops, continuing medical education (CME), etc., (41.5%) being most frequent source of information. Half of respondents (49.2%) were prepared to implement the curriculum, while 26 (20.0%) were not. The lack of training about CBME was the most cited reason for nonpreparedness. Majority (64.6%) of the respondents (84/130) considered horizontal and vertical integration to implement the new curriculum is feasible. However, most of them (70.8%) expressed reduction in teaching hours will be inadequate to complete pharmacology syllabus. On a scale of ten, the average rating of the respondents for new curriculum (6.83) did not show any statistical difference against old one (6.25). Conclusion: In our study, most of the participants welcome the new curriculum, although majority suggested need for training and guidance. To further understand the requirements, national organizations like MCI may conduct larger studies in the wide network of institutes.