IJCM_381A: Perception of faculty members on implementation of electives : newer components of CBME curriculum

Abstract

Background: Electives have been introduced under CBME for undergraduate Medical students. Objective: To identify the perceptions of faculty members in understanding the elective module of NMC. Methodology: A cross sectional study was done among the 60 ACME PARTICIPANTS of a nodal center for a period of one week. the data was collected using a predesigned, pre-tested questionnaire under the following areas -What measures can be taken to provide out of the institution experiences in electives and the anticipated difficulties in that process?? Who are the stakeholders involved in implementing electives and what are their roles and responsibilities at institute level: how elective students assessment can be done and what are the eligibility criteria for a preceptor under elective? Quantitative data was analysed and expressed in percentages and proportions, qualitative data was grouped under themes and subthemes Results: For providing the out of the institution experiences a total of 38 external institutions were enlisted by the participants, and they have opined that -apart from identifying external institutions and external preceptor, MOU has to be established with external institutions and elective module has to be developed in liaison with external preceptor. INSTITUTIONAL ELECTIVE COMMITTEE {IELCT} model proposed for the roles and responsibilities, a preceptor should be a regular faculty: Assistant professors with more than 2 years experience; who have undergone CISP, BCBR; with desired leadership and communication skills should be considered. Availability of experienced, motivated preceptors, students preference for easy/similar electives, safety of students during outside electives are the challenges identified. Conclusion: as preparation for electives is in the nascent stage in most of institutions we need to be more flexible in the initial few years and each stakeholder should put efforts as per their roles and responsibilities streamline and make electives as student-friendly as possible