Reflective writing: experience of first professional medical students with attitude ethics and communication module

Abstract

Introduction: Teaching and learning of medical ethics, communication skills, leadership and team building skills had not received due attention in the Indian medical curriculum that we had till recently. The Medical Council of India/ Board of Governors emphasized the need for development of appropriate attitude and communication skills among the students. Thus, Attitude ethics and communication (AETCOM) module was envisaged for all phases of undergraduate medical program. Our study analyzed the response of the students to AETCOM module and their reflective writings. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among students of 2017-18 and 2019-20 batch at a medical college in the state of Karnataka, India. It examines the response of first professional year students to AETCOM module sessions. The medical students submitted the reflective writing/ narratives, following a series of sessions on the first AETCOM module topic. The study was approved by the Institutional ethics committee. Results: The content of the narratives were analysed for the values, attitudes, roles and responsibilities of a doctor as perceived by the students using predetermined codes. A comparative analysis of the two groups yielded very usable information which could improvise the teaching–learning and assessment methods in practical implementation of AETCOM modules. Discussion: Narratives and reflective writing are important tools for learning attitudinal and ethical issues. It is a metacognitive process that creates greater understanding of self and situations and prepares for an informed future action. The MCI/ BOG envisaged AETCOM module will help students acquire necessary competence in the attitudinal, ethical and communication domains.