Evaluating the Perception of Undergraduate Medical Students About the Educational Environment by Using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) Questionnaire.

Abstract

Background This study uses the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire to investigate undergraduate medical students' perceptions regarding their educational environment. The study recognizes the pivotal role of the educational environment in shaping future healthcare professionals and aims to contribute valuable insights for continuous improvement. The DREEM questionnaire, a validated tool, provides a structured approach to assess various dimensions of the educational environment. The study explores teaching and learning, academic atmosphere, student self-perception, social support, and overall satisfaction, seeking to identify strengths and areas for enhancement. The overarching goal is to offer evidence-based recommendations for academic institutions, curriculum developers, and policymakers to foster an environment that optimally nurtures the learning experiences of undergraduate medical students. The study aspires to contribute to the ongoing efforts to refine and elevate medical education, ensuring the holistic development of future healthcare professionals. Aims & objectives Using the DREEMquestionnaire, evaluate undergraduate medical students' perceptions regarding their educational environment. Identifying thestrengths and weaknesses in the current educational environment, encompassing teaching and learning, academic atmosphere, student self-perception, and social support. Methodology All undergraduate medical students of C.U.Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar, Gujarat (India), were included in the study. DREEM questionnaire was introduced in classroom settings in digital form with the help of Google Forms. The perceptions were obtained and analyzed with the help of Google Sheets. Results The DREEM questionnaire mean scores (124.58/200) indicate an overall positive perception of the educational environment among medical students, with total scores falling within the 'More Positive than Negative' range. The domain-wise analysis reveals scores for Students' Perception of Learning (SPL) 30.09/48, Students' Perception of Teachers (SPT) 27.87/44, Students' Academic Self-Perceptions (SASP) 20.60/32, Students' Perception of Atmosphere (SPA) 30.31/48, and Students' Social Self-Perceptions (SSSP) 15.72/28, indicating varying perceptions across different aspects of the educational environment. Within the domains, the SPL scores range from 10 to 44 (mean: 29.91), with one response in the 'very poor' range. SPT scores vary from 4 to 44 (mean: 27.49), with three 'very poor' responses. SASP scores range from 6 to 32 (mean: 20.73), with one response in the 'Feelings of total failure' range. SPA scores range from 9 to 48 (mean: 30.29), with one response in the 'Very poor environment' range. SSSP scores vary from 6 to 28 (mean: 15.66), with five 'Miserable' responses. Conclusion The study using DREEM scores highlights a generally positive perception of the educational environment among medical students. Areas for improvement include addressing fatigue-related concerns and enhancing teacher-student interactions, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to ensure ongoing enhancement in the learning environment.