Medical students' task based learning of P-drug concept - A study to know its effectiveness and participant feedback

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effectiveness of task based learning of P-drug concept among 2 nd year medical students in India. Methods: This was an interventional study carried out among two groups of 41medical students each. P-drug concept was introduced to both the groups as a power point aided lecture class. Later, students from group B were assigned a task of preparing a list of P drugs for commonly diagnosed illness in our hospital. Six months after the intervention, knowledge and skills regarding P drug selection was assessed. The results were expressed as counts and percentages. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test. Student feedback was also taken. Results : Group B showed statistically significant better understanding of P drug concept when compared to group A(p< 0.05). Among group B students 59% were able to rearrange the steps for selecting P drugs in correct order which was significant (p< 0.05), compared to 37% from group A. For determining suitability of drug, 75.6% students from group A and 49% from group B gave importance to patient related factors. Drug related factors were considered important by 19% students from group A and 37% from group B. Group B students (29%) showed statistically significant (p <0.05) better understanding of the concept of essential medicines when compared to 10% students from group A. Conclusion: Feedback from interventional group was positive and encouraging. Performing a task provided them to learn better about P drug concept.