Empathy in medical education: Does it need to be taught? - Students feedback on AETCOM module of learning

Abstract

Background: A doctor’s intention while treating his patient is just not to cure the disease, rather it is to heal the illness. An overall approach to a patient includes not only the pharmaceutical prescription but also includes the doctor’s attitude and care toward a patient. The respect for the patient and the cadavers plays an important role. These aspects are introduced by Medical Council of India in the new curriculum. The present study was to look into the students perception toward this new curriculum. Aim and Objective: This study aims to know about the students’ perception toward the competency-based medical education curriculum. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on one hundred and fifty 1st year MBBS students, who had undergone training on various AETCOM modules through lecture class, sharing experiences by patient and doctor, roll play, poster presentation by the students, painting exhibition, opinion poll, panel discussion, and interaction with simulated and real patients. Assessment was done through reflection and feedback. It was a multidisciplinary approach. Results: Among the participants, 51.76% totally agreed, 23.53% of them partially agreed with the concepts of new curriculum, wherein 82% of the students realized the difference between healing and curing. About 88% of them said that treating all patients with equanimity is an important ethical concern. About 92% of them realized their duties and responsibilities toward society as a doctor. About 74% of them agreed with the ethical concern of the respect toward patient’s autonomy. Conclusions: Students have realized about the importance of empathy for building a good doctor-patient relationship and its role in effective patient management through the AETCOM modules.