Medical Education in India: Current Scenario of Teaching-Learning Methods

Abstract

Introduction: India struggles with poor quality of medical education, incompetent medical workforces, and insignificant research contribution to the world. Aim: Teaching-learning methods form an integral part of any curriculum hence, we aim to review the application of technology in teaching-learning methods at medical institutions across the world. Materials and Methods: An online search for articles and abstracts published from 2000 to 2020 on PubMed Central, Medline, Scopus, Google scholar using the MeSH terms like medical, education, innovative teaching, three dimensional, curriculum, etc., was conducted. A total of 49 articles were shortlisted by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 38 articles were finally selected after thorough reading and were analysed and summarised. Results: Four themes emerged from this review: understanding learner characteristics; innovative newer techniques with the incorporation of advanced technology; cast models and plastination; and future trends for medical education. The more specific findings can be further divided into: online digital learning module; flip classroom; 3D printed models; 3D virtual reality-based technology; simulation techniques; real patient learning practical’s; medical student collaborative clinics; student-driven undergraduate research committee; patient-family interactive programs; death-and-dying discussions and community-based service project. Conclusion: Amendment in the curriculum and selection of teaching-learning methods should be considered after understanding the student characteristics. Modern technology should be used rationally in teaching-learning methods thereby, restricting its negative impact on the students.