Enhancing anatomy comprehension through competency-specific formative assessments: A study on the effectiveness of pre and post lecture multiple-choice questions in CBME

Abstract

Modern medical education was required to include clear, tailored and regular formative assessments, especially for Millennials. Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) emphasized the objective assessment of anatomical competencies. Question-answer and viva-voce tests were considered subjective and resource-intensive. This research was conducted to examine how competency-specific formative assessments using multiple-choice questions and photos before and after competency-based medical lectures improved anatomy comprehension.: The research involved 150 first-year MBBS students who were enrolled in online anatomy courses. Competency-specific, picture-based, clinical scenario-based and multiple-choice pre-questionnaires were distributed. The questions were reviewed and attempted by students before attending the theory classes. Lecture classes were conducted according to the curriculum and competencies of the National Medical Council. After the lecture, the questions and answers were reviewed and a feedback questionnaire was administered. The feedback survey included Likert scale responses and open-ended questions to gauge students' opinions on the teaching and learning methodology.: It was observed that the method was effective, stimulating curiosity, motivation and engagement. Participants expressed that the approach facilitated memorization, imparted clinical knowledge and reinforced theory. Clinical scenario-based multiple-choice questions were found to enhance memory, spark interest and improve understanding of anatomy's clinical relevance. Students believed that this method would benefit them in university exams. Overall, 89.7% of participants found the methods highly satisfactory, 50% satisfactory and 10.3% unsatisfactory.: Competency-specific formative assessments using multiple-choice questions and photos before and after lectures were found to improve anatomy knowledge. The strategy was found to promote engagement, memory and clinical understanding, reinforcing anatomical concepts. The results of this study suggested that competency-specific formative assessments added value to the current CBME-based medical education by increasing learning and practical application.