Competency-based Medical Education Curriculum Research Articles

Was it all worth it? A graduating resident perspective on CBME

Background Our institution simultaneously transitioned all postgraduate specialty training programs to competency-based medical education (CBME) curricula. We explored experiences of CBME-trained residents graduating from five-year programs to inform the continued evolution of CBME in Canada. Methods We utilized qualitative description to explore residents’ experiences and inform continued CBME improvement. Data were collected from fifteen residents from various specialties through focus groups, interviews, and written responses. The data were analyzed inductively, using conventional content analysis. Results We identified five overarching themes. Three themes provided insight into residents’ experiences with CBME, describing discrepancies between the intentions of CBME and how it was enacted, challenges with implementation, and variation in residents’ experiences. Two themes – adaptations and recommendations – could inform meaningful refinements for CBME going forward. Conclusions Residents graduating from CBME training programs offered a balanced perspective, including criticism and recognition of the potential value of CBME when implemented as intended. Their experiences provide a better understanding of residents’ needs within CBME curricula, including greater balance and flexibility within programs of assessment and curricula. Many challenges that residents faced with CBME could be alleviated by greater accountability at program, institutional, and national levels. We conclude with actionable recommendations for addressing residents’ needs in CBME.

IJCM_395A: Exploring medical student’s perspective on Competency based medical education (CBME) curriculum at Government Medical College in Maharashtra.

Background: Competency based medical education (CBME) is implemented recently in India. The study was conducted to evaluate the perspectives of undergraduate medical students towards CBME curriculum at a Government Medical College in Maharashtra. CBME is helpful in expanding the dimensions besides basic medical knowledge to the core competencies of a high-grade skilled clinical graduate. Moreover, value addition with other competencies such as empathy, professionalism, altruism, communication skills, ethics, and humanities that focuses on health systems as a National goal ‘Health for All’. Objective: To explore medical student’s perspective on Competency based medical education (CBME) curriculum at Government Medical College in Maharashtra. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at Dr. SCGMC, Nanded. A validated questionnaire was administered through Google link among medical students. Results: A total of 225 students has participated. Around 130 (58%) students are from first year and 96(43.2%) students opined that learning AETCOM skills are necessary and around 125(55.8%) students opined that there should be sometime for sports activities during week days also and 107(48.2%) students stated that early clinical exposure in the first year is beneficial. Conclusion: The CBME curriculum focuses on learning the competencies needed in clinical practice and provides standards and framework for measuring performance. The thrust of the new curriculum attempts to make medical education in India more outcomes oriented.

Motivations for Entrustable Professional Activity Assessment: Gaps Between Curriculum Theory and Resident Reality

Background Previous research demonstrates mixed reactions from residents toward competency-based medical education (CBME), and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) specifically. However, understanding what motivates residents to obtain EPAs may be vital to the longevity of CBME, given the emphasis on assessment for learning under this paradigm. Objective This study explored resident perspectives across 3 domains: motivation for obtaining EPAs, perceived importance of EPAs, and overall thoughts on CBME curriculum. Methods This was a sequential exploratory mixed-methods study involving 2 phases of data collection. Phase 1 was semi-structured interviews with residents enrolled in CBME at one Canadian institution from November 2019 to July 2020. Analyses included thematic and manifest content analysis. Phase 2 was an electronic close-ended survey to capture residents’ primary motivation for requesting EPAs and importance of EPAs for learning. Survey data were analyzed descriptively. Results Of 120 eligible residents, 25 (21%) and 107 (89%) participated in the interview and survey, respectively. Program requirement was the dominant motivation for obtaining EPAs. There was variability in perceived importance of EPAs on learning. Increased resident workload, gaming the system to maximize EPA scores, and lack of shared ownership from preceptors were cited as critiques of the curriculum. Survey responses corroborated interview findings. Conclusions Although many residents recognize the value of EPAs, the majority are not intrinsically motivated to seek out assessment under the current CBME framework.

IJCM_88A: Perception of the medical college faculty on new competency-based medical education curriculum for MBBS students

Background: Medical education needs to be adjusted to meet the fast- changing expectations of society and the resulting demands on daily medical practice. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has updated the Medical Curriculum based on CBME. Objectives: 1. To assess the perceptions of the faculty members of the Medical college on the competency-based medical education curriculum for the MBBS course 2. To assess the readiness to incorporate competency-based medical education in the medical education curriculum among faculty members Methodology: This cross-sectional study was set in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, among teaching staff of pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical departments. A total of 93 (pre-clinical-29, para-clinical-31, clinical=33) faculty members were requested to fill out the questionnaire. Results: Our study highlights inter-department coordination, time demands, and lack of faculty training as the major barriers to the implementation of CBME. Among all participants around 60% were females. Most of the participants had teaching experiences between 0-5 years. Almost 95% of the participants were aware of the new MCI 2019 curriculum. The majority of the participants rated their knowledge about CMBE as moderate level (38.7%). 61.3% of the faculty members consider themselves to be ready to incorporate CBМЕ. According to most faculty members, a moderate amount (50%) of training is required and sessions and workshops (68.8%) are the most preferred type of training. Conclusion: Most of the faculty members found that the CBME pattern will be effective in imparting skills to undergraduates. Most of the participants identified inter-department coordination, demands of time, and lack of training in evaluation and feedback to be the major barriers to implementing the CBME pattern. Most of the faculty members consider themselves to be ready for this change even though a lot of them find the implementation of CBME to be a difficult task.

A survey on practices of embalming techniques and usage of soft embalming methods in Indian medical institutes

BackgroundSoft cadavers are becoming increasingly popular for surgical skills development in competency-based medical education curricula. However, few studies evaluate this strategy's viability, dependability, and validity, particularly in India. This study intends to investigate embalming procedures and procedural skills practices at medical institutions. MethodsA validated questionnaire gathered information on demographic details, embalming practices, surgical skill training, willingness to adopt modern embalming techniques and awareness and practice of soft embalming methods. A total of 350 Indian medical institutions were forwarded the questionnaire via email. Responses were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and the Chi-square test was used to examine the association between the two categorical variables. ResultsA study of 350 Indian medical institutions found a 62% response rate. In the studied population, 53.5% (N = 116) of institutes demonstrated procedural skills in undergraduate education as a part of early clinical experience. A total of 54.4% (N = 118) of institutes conducted hands-on surgical training. For postgraduates in surgical departments, voluntary cadaver dissection was offered at 53.9% (N = 117) of institutes. In 78.3% (N = 170) of the institutes, surgical training was performed on formaldehyde-embalmed cadavers. Institutions used proprietary solutions, fresh frozen approaches, Thiel solution, phenol, and saturated salt solutions for embalming. ConclusionThe study highlights disparities in undergraduate teaching and surgical skill training in medical institutes, emphasizing the need for re-evaluating embalming practices to ensure the safety and educational quality. It also highlights underutilization of soft embalming methods, highlighting need for improved training programs and strategies to enhance medical education quality.

Learnings and Reflections on Transition to New Competency-based Medical Education, MBBS curriculum in Microbiology: A Cross-sectional Observational Study

Introduction: Conventional teaching in microbiology revolved around the study of microorganisms without clinical relevance. Therefore, a New Competency-based Undergraduate (UG) Medical curriculum (New CBME) was rolled out in the academic year 2019 to make Indian Medical Graduates more clinically competent yet globally relevant. Aim: To assess the impact of the change in curriculum on students’ performance and desired educational outcomes before and after the implementation of the new curriculum. Likewise, the study aimed to analyse the experiences and reflections of medical teachers towards these amendments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 82 students from the second year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with a traditional curriculum and 74 with the new Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum at the Department of Microbiology, Smt. B.K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, between February 2020 and November 2021. In both batches, topics from core as well as non core areas of various systems were included along with the Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) modules. A comparison of both groups was done, and Chisquare values and p-values were calculated. Results: The batch with the new CBME curriculum was able to provide a provisional diagnosis for a case-based question better than the Traditional batch {n=60/74 (81%) vs n=44/82 (54%), p-value=0.0005, significant}. However, the correct aetiology, pathogenesis, and laboratory diagnosis were written better in the traditional batch compared to the new one, n=44/82 (54%) vs n=24/74 (32%). Regarding the AETCOM skills, the new batch had a better understanding of proper communication and ethics, i.e., 73/74 (99%), p-value<0.00001, Significant, while 66/82 students (80%) of the traditional batch and 67/74 (90%) of the new batch were aware of confidentiality issues. In viva voce, the new batch showed a lot of confusion regarding the names, types of micro-organisms, and the laboratory diagnosis of diseases caused by them compared to the traditional batch (p-value <0.00156, significant). Conclusion: After implementing the new CBME curriculum to undergraduate students and analysing the feedback of teachers and the performance of students, it was felt that an appraisal of the new curriculum is required for a satisfactory outcome in microbiology so that microbiology content can be incorporated with clinical relevance.

Block 1 (pre-clinical and paraclinical) electives for medical students in the new competency-based medical education curriculum – Analysis and evaluation

Block 1 (pre-clinical and paraclinical) electives for medical students in the new competency-based medical education curriculum – Analysis and evaluation

A Prospective Interventional Study on Modified One-minute Preceptor Model: An Effective Teaching-learning Tool for Early Clinical Exposure in Biochemistry

Introduction: Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) was incorporated into the Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum in 2019. ECE in a classroom setting is conducted through Clinical Case Discussion (CCD) using paper-based clinical case scenarios. The assessment pattern of CBME and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) includes clinical case-based questions. Therefore, assessing and developing clinical reasoning skills and critical thinking has become the need of the hour. Aim: To measure the effectiveness of the modified One-minute Preceptor (OMP) model as a teaching-learning tool for CCD to enhance the knowledge and reasoning skills of Phase I Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and to assess the perception of students and faculty towards the modified OMP model. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India from February 2020 to May 2020. Out of 250 Phase I MBBS students, 180 who had given consent and participated in all the sessions were included. Eight faculty members voluntarily participated in the study. The faculty involved in CCD for the control and study groups were different and selected through randomisation. After a didactic lecture, a pretest was administered, and then students were divided into Control group A (n=90) and Study group B (n=90). For CCD, the modified OMP model was used for the study group and the traditional unstructured method for the control group. A post-test was given after CCD, and feedback was collected from faculty and students. Quantitative analysis of the feedback was done using a 5-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions were qualitatively assessed. Pretest and post-test scores were analysed using an unpaired t-test. Learning gain was measured, and program evaluation was conducted using Kirkpatrick’s model. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the post-test scores obtained by the control group and study group (p-value <0.001). A higher normalised learning gain (0.83) was observed in the study group. The modified OMP model was perceived as an effective, interactive teaching-learning tool for CCD by both students and faculty. Conclusion: CCD using the modified OMP model significantly improved knowledge, critical thinking, and reasoning skills of students. Even after modifications to the original OMP model, the effectiveness of this model for preclinical subjects remains unaffected.

Academic Achievement of First-year Medical Students using Self-directed Learning with Formative Assessment vs Conventional Teaching Method: A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: The Self-Directed Learning (SDL) approach is an important component of the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum. However, learning independently can be challenging, even for the brightest and most motivated students. Moreover, self-evaluation is quite difficult. If SDL is used in combination with formative assessment and constructive feedback for individual topics, it would facilitate self-modulation by learners and guide them towards higher academic achievement. Aim: To compare the academic performance of first-year medical students in Anatomy Practical class using SDL with formative assessment and feedback versus conventional teaching methods. Materials and Methods: A comparative evaluation was conducted using a longitudinal study design in the Department of Anatomy, Medical College Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from November 2022 to June 2023. During Anatomy Practical classes, 250 first-year medical students, (Batch 2022-2023), were divided into two equal groups using simple random sampling through a lottery method. One group (study group) was taught by implementing SDL followed by formative assessment with immediate feedback, and the other group was taught by the traditional method (control group). Following the completion of each of the first three consecutive regions (superior extremities, inferior extremities, and thorax) during Anatomy Practical classes, summative assessments were conducted. The collected data were calculated in an Excel sheet and computed using JAMOVI software (free version). Independent t-test statistics for the three summative assessments were evaluated, and the p-value of each assessment was determined. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Additionally, students’ feedback was documented and analysed. Results: It was observed that there was an improvement in academic scores in both groups. However, higher academic performance was progressively attained in the group which was provided SDL sessions and formative assessment with immediate feedback. A total of 55 (80%) students passed the third summative assessment in comparison to 40 (59.7%) students of the control group who passed the same exam. Differences between the means of the control and study group were found to be statistically significant (p-value≤0.001 and 0.023 in two summative assessments). Conclusion: The present study revealed that SDL with formative assessment followed by immediate feedback during Anatomy Practical classes had a remarkable positive impact on students’ academic performance compared to those students taught using conventional teaching methods and might be implemented in the future for better learning and improved academic achievement of students.

Unlocking the Potential of Electives in India's New Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum

Unlocking the Potential of Electives in India's New Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum

Unveiling the impact: Anatomy internal assessment exclusion in MBBS first professional results

Introduction: In 2019, the National Medical Commission (NMC) implemented the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, altering teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Internal assessment marks, once contributing to final grades, now only serve as eligibility criteria. This study, conducted at the Department of Anatomy, HIMS, Safedabad, examines the impact of excluding internal assessment from MBBS 1st year students' final Anatomy marks. Materials and Methods: This study assessed the performance of MBBS 2019 (CBME) and MBBS 2018 (old) batches in Anatomy. Parameters examined included: 1) first attempt exam clearance rates, 2) passage via grace marks, and 3) distribution of scores (students who scored >70%, between 60-70% and between 50-60%). Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests. Results: In the MBBS 2018-19 batch, 86 out of 100 students passed Anatomy, compared to 94 out of 99 in the MBBS 2019 (CBME) batch. In the MBBS 2018 batch, excluding internal assessment would have resulted in 44 failures, reduced to 14 with inclusion. Chi-square tests demonstrated significant differences in scores and failure rates. Conclusions: Excluding internal assessment markedly affected Anatomy exam outcomes, highlighting its pivotal role in MBBS 1stProfessional success. Keywords: Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), Internal assessment, Anatomy, Medical education, MBBS curriculum, Student performance

Whole task simulation in surgical training: A hybrid method of teaching undergraduate medical students

Background: The current Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum practiced in India accentuates that medical graduates must demonstrate competency in safely diagnosing, investigating, and managing clinical presentations across both community and secondary care settings. Therefore, there is a need for more hybrid teaching methods that simulate real situations. This approach will help newly qualified doctors gain confidence and prepare them for the future. We used the whole task simulation method to teach them one of the most common surgical problems i.e., breast cancer along with communication skills, professionalism, Interprofessional teamwork, asepsis, and safe surgery practices. Methods: The study enrolled 20 final-year MBBS students through purposeful sampling. Following classroom-based teaching on a Breast case, a simulated scenario was given, based on SECO (The Safe and Effective Clinical Outcome) design, and was modified with the addition of a simulated operating room setup. History taking, examination, ordering investigations and interpreting them, pre-operative counseling and consent and operation theatre scenario was done using standardized patient and mannequins. Pre- and post-simulation survey was conducted. Quantitative data were collected through Google Forms to assess their conceptual knowledge and qualitative data by Focused group discussions. Results: Students preferred a shift to this hybrid method of learning in a simulated environment over classical classroom-based teaching. They all felt that getting involved in a real-life situation helps in understanding surgical management better. They also understood the concept of teamwork and effective communication. "I feel it’s the best way to learn clinical medicine. No amount of literature could ever replace the knowledge we get from being in the scenario", was one of the responses given by the participants. Conclusion: Integration of surgical simulated clinics along with the operation room (OR) set up into the undergraduate curriculum could facilitate the acquisition of clinical skills actively and interactively. Such a hybrid method of teaching is an effective tool for teaching communication skills, professionalism, interprofessional teamwork along clinical skills.

Innovative teaching learning method-simulation based learning in community medicine

As per the new competency-based medical education curriculum, teaching and learning methods have been shifted from teacher-centric to student-centric to provide students with opportunities for diverse learning experiences through interactive learning. So, the department introduced innovative teaching in the classroom environment to make students understand the concept of community diagnosis in detail so that it will be beneficial for them while executing an actual visit to their family. A village was simulated in the classroom; students were randomly identified as medical students who were going to interact with villagers for the purpose of community diagnosis, whose roles were played by the remaining students. After that, the student explained the process with input from faculty. Feedback from students was taken through a Google form about the activity. There was a self-driven response from students with their active participation. They felt that it was a very interactive class and it prepared them for the field visit. Such simulation activities can be used as a teaching and learning method for relevant competencies with limited resources.

Need for Pandemic Preparedness Teaching during the Medical Curriculum.

When we talk about 20-20 it goes without saying that we are talking about Indian Premier League matches. But when we talk about 2020, we get goosebumps even remembering the memories of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic! It was just about that time when the National Medical Commission (NMC) rolled out the Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum for the first Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) batch admitted in the 2019-2020 academic year. Who knew that the timetable so well planned would go for a toss due to the global pandemic? It was indeed a learning lesson for all. The word pandemic is derived from the Greek words pan = all and demos = people. An epidemic that affects large geographic areas across the entire world at the same time is called a pandemic. Most of the pandemics are caused by viruses, for example, influenza, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and now COVID-19. Susceptible individuals get affected, they transmit the organism to many individuals in a short time. International travel spreads the disease globally in a short time and a pandemic is declared. Hence, it is the need of the hour to sensitize the medical students by incorporating the pandemic preparedness module in the medical curriculum. How to cite this article: Londhey V. Need for Pandemic Preparedness Teaching during the Medical Curriculum. J Assoc Physicians India 2023;71(10):11-12.

의과대학 역량중심교육과정 평가준거 구안

Objectives The purpose of this study was to propose evaluation criteria for assessing competency-based medical education curriculum, which are currently the main educational programs in medical schools in South Korea. The ultimate goal was to enhance the quality of medical education by establishing evaluation criteria that reflect the characteristics of competency-based medical education curriculum.
 Methods To achieve this, the study conducted a literature review to identify the characteristics of competencybased medical education curriculum and analyzed existing evaluation models and criteria used in medical education. Based on this analysis, primary evaluation criteria were identified. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with five experts to derive practical elements that should be included in the evaluation criteria, considering the current reality of medical education curriculum in South Korean medical schools. Through the literature review and expert interviews, the final evaluation criteria were developed.
 Results Through literature analysis, we have developed a framework for evaluation criteria by combining evaluation models that are commonly used in medical education. By analyzing previous studies that mentioned evaluation criteria in the field of medical education, we initially derived 8 evaluation areas, 31 evaluation items, and 73 evaluation indicators. Subsequently, incorporating the secondary evaluation criteria factors derived from expert interviews, we organized them to finalize 5 evaluation areas, 19 evaluation items, and 61 evaluation indicators.
 Conclusions This study contributes to the development of evaluation criteria and models that reflect the theoretical and practical characteristics of competency-based medical education curriculum in medical schools. Additionally, through the investigation process, it provided in-depth insights into the challenges and areas for improvement faced in implementing competency-based medical education curriculum in current medical schools.

Anesthesia quality indicators to measure and improve your practice: a modified delphi study

BackgroundImplementation of the new competency-based post-graduate medical education curriculum has renewed the push by medical regulatory bodies in Canada to strongly advocate and/or mandate continuous quality improvement (cQI) for all physicians. Electronic anesthesia information management systems contain vast amounts of information yet it is unclear how this information could be used to promote cQI for practicing anesthesiologists. The aim of this study was to create a refined list of meaningful anesthesia quality indicators to assist anesthesiologists in the process of continuous self-assessment and feedback of their practice.MethodsAn initial list of quality indicators was created though a literature search. A modified-Delphi (mDelphi) method was used to rank these indicators and achieve consensus on those indicators considered to be most relevant. Fourteen anesthesiologists representing different regions across Canada participated in the panel.ResultsThe initial list contained 132 items and through 3 rounds of mDelphi the panelists selected 56 items from the list that they believed to be top priority. In the fourth round, a subset of 20 of these indicators were ranked as highest priority. The list included items related to process, structure and outcome.ConclusionThis ranked list of anesthesia quality indicators from this modified Delphi study could aid clinicians in their individual practice assessments for continuous quality improvement mandated by Canadian medical regulatory bodies. Feasibility and usability of these quality indicators, and the significance of process versus outcome measures in assessment, are areas of future research.

Peering Into the Future: A First Look at the CBME Transition to Practice Stage in Diagnostic Radiology

Queen's University (Kingston, ON, Canada) adopted a competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum for Diagnostic Radiology residency training in an accelerated manner in 2017, with the curriculum comprised of four stages of training. This article focuses on the final stage (Transition to Practice), during which assessment methods of the new national curriculum (implemented in July 2022) were piloted. This study aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of CBME in Diagnostic Radiology training and specific considerations for programs undergoing this curricular transition. Ethics approval was provided by the affiliated hospital Research Ethics Board. All relevant electronic assessments pertaining to all trainees who had completed the Transition to Practice stage (n=3) were collated, deidentified, analyzed, and presented in tabulated format. A total of 39 evaluations completed by 13 assessors were assessed, with an average time of 3minutes and 6seconds to complete an assessment form. Also, 95% of evaluations were rated as entrustments. However, no residents met the minimum number of required entrustments for all five stage-specific Entrustable Professional Activities. These 39 evaluations included 219 milestone rating scores, with 86% rated as "achieved." Following review by the residency program Competence Committee, all three residents were promoted from the Transition to Practice stage. Challenges in CBME implementation include the number and quality of resident assessments. Strategies for success may include providing clear guidelines and training for both faculty and residents, early identification and intervention, and adopting a holistic evaluation strategy. CBME has the potential to enhance medical education quality by emphasizing learner progress toward competency and providing personalized feedback and support.

“Faculty experience during transition to new Competency Based Medical Education Curriculum” – A nationwide survey from India

“Faculty experience during transition to new Competency Based Medical Education Curriculum” – A nationwide survey from India

Readiness of Medical Students for Self-Directed Learning under Competency based Medical Education – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) for undergraduates (UG) of medical stream in India. Self-directed Learning (SDL) has become a vital part of CBME curriculum, such that NMC mentions some SDL hours can go beyond office hours if required. Therefore, assessing SDL becomes important among the UG medical students (MBBS). Objectives: To assess the readiness towards SDL method among the medical students under CBME curriculum and to find out the factors associated with their readiness towards SDL method. Subjects and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among the MBBS students under CBME curriculum studying at PESIMSR, Kuppam. All the 300 students were included with 241 participating in the study. Abridged Fisher’s 29 item SDL readiness scale was used. Data were compiled and analyzed using the SPSS (version 23.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among 241 students, the SDL readiness was found be below average, average and above average in 2%, 66% and 32% respectively. The above average category of SDL readiness was higher (36.07%) among the 1st CBME batch of students than compared to the 2nd batch (27.7%). SDL was found to be statistically significantly associated (P < 0.05) with age, mode of admission, parents’ involvement in the learning process, stress in life and self-confidence of the students. Conclusion: The readiness to undergo SDL varies from student to student. Therefore, understanding their readiness is necessary to sensitize them regarding SDL method. By this, the students can achieve the SDL-based competencies in a better way.

TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTION REPORTING AMONG THE UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN ASSAM: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Objectives: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an important factor contributing to mortality and morbidity worldwide. Since undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students are the future caregivers to the patients, they should have sound knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice of Pharmacovigilance (PV). Hence this study was conducted to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of PV and ADR reporting. Furthermore, secondarily this study tried to look into the impact of competency-based medical education (CBME) on the KAP of the students. Methods: Questionnaire-based, observational, and cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was pre-validated and consisted of 30 questions to assess the KAP of UG and PG medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Assam. Results: A total of 419 students participated in the study. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Sheet and the Student’s t-test. Both UGs and PGs have good knowledge about PV, ADR, and the types of ADRs to be reported. They also have a positive attitude but in practice, only a few have filled up the ADR form. Mean score analysis showed p-value was significant for attitude and practice among the UGs and PGs and highly significant for KAP when the CBME and Old Curriculum were compared. Conclusion: Although students have good knowledge and attitude, they need to improve in their practice. Regular training and awareness programs might help in educating them about PV and ADR reporting. However, the introduction of the CBME curriculum has been shown to improve the knowledge and attitude of the students about PV and ADR reporting.