Indian Institute Research Articles

The Vaccine Godmother: Dr. Gagandeep Kang's Pioneering Journey in Global Health and Vaccine Development.

Dr. Gagandeep Kang is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and virologist known for her pioneering work in the study of gastrointestinal diseases, diarrheal infections, and vaccine development. This article highlights her career, beginning with her medical education at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, where she embarked on her groundbreaking research in enteric diseases, particularly rotavirus, a major cause of child mortality globally. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has led groundbreaking research on rotavirus, contributing to the development of two WHO-approved vaccines tailored for Indian communities: Rotavac (Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad, India) and Rotasiil (Serum Institute of India, Pune, India). Beyond her research, Dr. Kang has held significant advisory roles on national and global platforms, including WHO's Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). She has authored over 300 scientific publications and coauthored the bestselling book "Till We Win,"which details India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Infosys Prize in Life Sciences, the Fellowship of the Royal Society, and the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award. Dr. Kang's career exemplifies her dedication to advancing public health, vaccine development, and global health initiatives, making her a trailblazer in the field of microbiology and virology.

Sparse representation of finger knuckle print images for personal identification

SummaryFraud keeps increasing in our society and security applications become crucial and needed in our daily life. Biometric technology attempts to stop fraud and falsification in different opportunities such as bank services, access to controlled areas or crossing frontiers, by recognizing the identity of a person using his physiological (fingerprint, iris, face) or behavioral modalities (gait, signature). In this article, we focus on an emerging biometric modality called the finger knuckle print (FKP). In fact, this modality has several advantages such as the easy distinction between different persons, stability over time and user acceptance. So, an FKP identification approach is proposed using scale invariant feature transform descriptors based sparse representation method. The classification step, between training and testing FKP samples, is made using the support vector machines method. Experiments applied on two public FKP databases: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Contactless Finger Knuckle Images Database and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Finger Knuckle Database, containing respectively 2500 and 790 images, demonstrate high correct identification rates by reaching 98.58% and 99.15% for these two databases.

A Retrospective Study of the Profiles of Outpatients Attending the State Adolescent Friendly Health Resource Center, Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Adolescents compose a significantly large age group, and attention to their health needs is lacking due to insufficient data and policy implementation globally and in India. India, having 268 million adolescents, faces the world's largest adolescent population, which highlights the importance of addressing their health requirements. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity profiles of adolescent patients attending the State Adolescent Friendly Health Resource Centre at a tertiary-level healthcare institution in South India. A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted at the State Adolescent Friendly Health Resource Center from 2022 to 2023. Data on adolescent health were collected from this center's OPD using a structured questionnaire, which included information on demographics, immunization status, chief complaints, and dietary intake. Diagnosis coding was done using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), with estimated energy and protein intake. The study analyzed 4,000 adolescent patients, with a nearly equal gender distribution across physical OPD and telemedicine services. Adolescent females between 15 and 16 years had more visits for consultation. Most patients were within the normal BMI range, and telemedicine was popular among females with normal BMI. Obesity was more common in males, while overweight was prevalent in females. Energy and protein intake varied across BMI categories, with obese individuals having the highest intake. The morbidity profiles revealed significant gender differences in healthcare utilization and disease patterns. Gender differences in adolescent morbidity and the underutilization of telemedicine highlight the need for tailored healthcare interventions and further research based on socioeconomic factors.

Analysing Vital Management Roles In Providing Physical Education And Sports To Indian Students

The aim of this study is to identify the states and union territories offering NCTE-recognized Physical Education courses (D.P.Ed, B.P.Ed, and M.P.Ed.) by institutions in India also identify based on their management type. Data, source for this study collected from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) official website. The findings of this study show that, Totally 289 institutions offered Physical Education courses in India among Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of NCTE-recognized Physical Education courses offered by institutions, followed by Tamil Nadu in second position. Twenty-three states have institutions offering these courses, and three union territories also have such institutions. In terms of institution management, private management colleges hold the top position, while among universities, state management universities are at the top. The recommendation of this study is that five states and six union territories currently have no institutions offering these courses, so the governments must initiate the establishment of at least one institution in these states and union territories. Additionally, the government should increase the number of their managed institutions in all states and union territories.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence for Advancement in Entrepreneurial Education

The changing technology has advanced into new advents like Artificial Intelligence. This technology has diffused into the classrooms through chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Bard, YouChat, KoalaChat, ChatOn, Microsoft Binge and many others. The conventional softwares are only updated by humans while Artificial Intelligence can correct and remodel itself. Artificial Intelligence is assisting the entrepreneurial organizations and students in data analysis, automation and Natural Language Processing (NLP). It also helps the entrepreneurial organizations in strategic decision making and managing operations and accounts. This research focuses on the opportunities and challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence in the entrepreneurial education across various business schools. It examines the benefits of chatbots for educational purposes. It also studies the limitations of chatbots. It enquires about the business advice sought from chatbots. For this purpose, a survey was applied amongst students of entrepreneurial courses to analyze the impact of Artificial Intelligence in our classrooms. It is a study performed on 103 students enrolled in entrepreneurship courses at two management institutes of India between August, 2023, and December, 2023. The study focuses on the benefits of AI in areas such as assisting in classroom activities like such as market research, competitor analysis and legal aspects. It also aids the students in getting feedback for their assignments, preparing for examinations and rapid access to information. The research suggests that Artificial Intelligence is significantly contributing right from idea generation, planning, forecasting and progress evaluation of business plans to entrepreneurial students. It is extensively helping the entrepreneurial students in developing the business model canvas which assists them in designing the blueprint of the project, strategic management, and development of innovative business models. It also assists in improving the productivity and efficiency of students. This research would facilitate students, teachers and business schools imparting entrepreneurial curriculum inculcate Artificial Intelligence into the classroom studies.

Trust, regulation, and stewardship of the medical profession in India

In this paper we discuss the consequences of commercialisation of medicine and the associated shift in professional values, identity, and practices for patients, doctors, and health care organisations in India. We do so within the broader frame of the widely reported fall in trust in the health system in India, and with a view to reflect on how trust may be restored to a level which sustains a different but effective type of relationship between the medical profession and society. We draw on interviews with high-level health system and social actors in India to shed light on the key influences which shape the stewardship and governance of the health care system and the medical profession in the light of mounting evidence of and concerns around the erosion of public and patient trust in these institutions in India. Analysis is presented through four interrelated thematic articulations. Two themes highlight the practices of doctors and the actions of patients which contributed to changes in their relations and particularly a decline in trust. Two further themes focus on the policy and practice implications for regulation and stewardship of the health system and the medical profession.

Pandemic-induced Migration From Campus to Digital Mode: Experiences From Social Work Students and Teachers in India and Sweden

The article explores the rapid COVID-19 pandemic-induced migration from campus to digital modes of education in 2020–2021. The process of this migration offers an opportunity to examine some important issues related to digital teaching, learning, and education during the pandemic. Based on our study of the School of Social Work at Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, India, and the School of Social Work at Lund University, Sweden, we explore and compare the social component in the experiences of students and teachers at the two institutions. The data collection draws on focus group sessions and interviews complemented by various relevant institutional documents and our own experiences at our respective institutions. The core argument we put forth in the article is that the Swedish student and teacher response to the pandemic-induced crisis and the migration to digital classes was a case of ‘trusting the state’, as they were passively waiting for top-down initiatives and instructions. On the other hand, the response at the Indian institution was a case of ‘trusting ourselves’, not waiting for top-down instructions and support but creating bottom-up solutions within the internal community of teachers and students. We also highlight the different perceptions and the impact of teaching and studying from home on physical and emotional levels. While we present the differences and specificity around the expectations of teachers and students at the two institutions, we also elucidate their patience, perseverance and innovation while engaging with the realities of work and studying from home while being kept away from campus.

Unscrambling the preference puzzle: an in-depth exploration of why Indian international students shy away from home institutions for Master’s programs

PurposeIn 2021, more than half a million Indian students traveled abroad to pursue Master’s programs. Against this background, we explore why Indian students do not enroll in Master’s programs in Indian higher education (IHE) institutions.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured, in-depth online interviews of 30 Indian international students pursuing post-graduation studies in four major host countries were conducted to elicit the required information. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach. The attribution theory was used as a theoretical lens to discuss the findings.FindingsThe results indicate that the primary reasons for students not choosing Indian institutions are wide-ranging. The need to study abroad, decision influencers and why they did not consider IHE institutes were three significant categories encompassing nine themes. The study revealed that besides other factors, the rigor of admission in premier Indian universities is much higher when compared with other international universities. Also, the perceived rate of return in investing in those developed countries' universities is better when compared with those of premier Indian universities.Practical implicationsThe insights will act as marketing intelligence for supporting the business and university administrators of Indian universities in formulating effective tactics to admit more students from this in-demand Indian subgroup.Originality/valueMost of the existing research papers discuss the motivation and challenges of Indian international students for studying abroad, There is negligible research on their demotivation to join IHE institutions. The present study tries to focus on the aspects that most of them considered but did not join IHE. Also, the attribution theory is a new perspective for understanding their behavior in selecting higher education institutions.

Analysis of errors in medical certificates of cause of death (MCCD) at a tertiary care institute in 2022

AimMedical Certificates of Cause of Death (MCCD) play a pivotal role in shaping national health statistics and public health initiatives. This study investigates the quality of MCCD completion at a Tertiary Care Institute in India, focusing on certification errors made by physicians while issuing death certificates. MethodsUsing a retrospective, cross-sectional approach, 1603 MCCDs issued during the study period were analyzed for formal correctness and mistakes. The study employed predefined categories to assess the nature and impact of these errors. While this research did not verify the factual accuracy of the MCCDs against patients’ medical records, it categorized errors into major and minor, based on their potential to influence the accurate classification of the underlying cause of death.ResultsThe study showed the presence of errors in all 1603 death certificates examined, categorizing them as major, minor, or both. Notably, 99.2% of cases lacked the mention of the time interval between death and the morbid condition. Analysis of major errors indicated that in 64.6% of cases, competing causes of death were mentioned, while 77.4% featured multiple causes of death. Furthermore, improper sequencing of the cause of death was identified in 11.2%, whereas 7.9% had poorly defined conditions as the cause of death.ConclusionTo improve the quality of healthcare data and public health management, these findings highlight the necessity for precise MCCD reporting and the significance of comprehending mortality patterns. For informed decision-making and changes to the healthcare system, addressing the found errors and patterns is essential.

Impact of Texting-Induced Distraction on Driving Behavior Based on Field Operation Tests

Driver distraction has proven to be among the top contributory factors in road crashes worldwide. The involvement of drivers in secondary activities, such as phone usage, conversation with co-passengers, reaching for objects, eating, and so forth, have been shown to be significant causes of in-vehicle driver distraction. Text messaging using mobile phones while driving can be detrimental to the primary driving task as it invokes manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Numerous studies in the past have analyzed the effect of texting on driver distraction using driving simulators. This study followed a field operation test–based approach to simulate real road conditions and evaluate the impact of texting on driving behavior. The study was conducted at the connected autonomous vehicle testbed at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, using an instrumented test vehicle. Data on gaze parameters and vehicle kinematics were recorded using eye-tracker glasses and a high-end global positioning system (GPS) data logger. Thirty-one participants drove on the pre-defined path at the testbed under baseline and texting conditions. The findings demonstrated that the texting task significantly affected fixation count, mean speed, and lateral acceleration. The texting task led to a reduction in mean fixation counts, mean speed, and mean lateral acceleration by 44.37%, 34%, and 46.72%, respectively. The age and driving experience of the participants had a significant effect on their behavior. The results indicate the critical potential of texting-based driver distraction and suggest the enforcement of stringent rules for texting while driving to create a safer road environment.

Predictive Value of the Postural Difference in Antero-Posterior Diameter of Renal Pelvis on Ultrasonography of Unilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Determining the Need For Surgery.

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of antenatal hydronephrosis. Although majority of them improve with time, none of the existing diagnostic modalities can accurately predict which hydronephrotic kidney is at the risk of progressive renal damage and will benefit from early surgery. Postural variations in the anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APPD) of the hydronephrotic kidney in children during follow-up postnatal ultrasonography (USG) reflect the intrapelvic tension, which might help in predicting the need of surgery amongst these patients. We designed this prospective observational study in all unilateral UPJO patients on postural variation in the APPD of renal pelvis on ultrasonography. The mean age of all patients were 2.15 years (0-5 years) and managed at our institute at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar. The study duration was from July 2019 to May 2021. The management of these patients was done as per the standard institutional protocol and there was no deviation due to inclusion in this study. We documented the variations in postural APPD both amongst the conservatively managed group and the surgically managed group of patients. Linear correlation between two continuous variables was explored using Pearson's correlation (if the data were normally distributed) and Spearman's correlation (for non-normally distributed data). We found a higher prone APPD than supine APPD in all these patients indicating the obstruction at ureteropelvic junction. However, in the surgical group, there was less variation in the postural APPD compared to the conservative group, and when there was no variation in the postural APPD, the need of surgery was 100%. The limitation of our study was the small sample size (n = 36). A study involving a larger population or involving multiple institutions may further add significance to our findings. We found less postural variation in APPD on USG to be more likely associated with severe UPJO requiring early surgery. This may indicate a non-compliant renal pelvis. However, it was statistically not significant.

Super-resolved fluorescence imaging utilising accessible stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (easySTORM) implemented on a low-cost, modular open-source (openFrame) microscope

Abstract Optical super-resolution microscope is a powerful tool for the life sciences, including cell biology and pathology yielding information on, e.g., biological structure and protein distribution in the nano-scale range. In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the interest to apply super-resolution microscopes in diverse areas, but its wider utility is hindered by the cost of purchasing and maintaining super-resolved microscopes. In this paper we present the implementation of easySTORM, an accessible implementation of stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), India, in a flexible, user friendly and cost-effective manner using a state-of-the-art, modular, open-source, optical microscope platform called: "openFrame". Providing comparable imaging performance to commercial optical super-resolution microscopes, the openFrame-based implementation of easySTORM uses in-expensive multimode diode lasers and industry grade CMOS cameras, and the open-source and modular nature of the instrument makes it easy to maintain and to upgrade. To demonstrate its successful implementation at IITG, we image quantum dots and actin-tubulin structure in both normal and cancer cells, resolved features separated by a few tens of nanometers. This work demonstrates that openFrame-enabled easySTORM instrumentation can be widely accessible to provide affordable, research grade super-resolution microscopy capability for academic and medical research.

Prevention of screw penetration of the dorsal cortex in volar plating of distal end radius fracture by using dorsal tangential view

Background: The dorsal cortex penetration by a screw can leads to irritation and attritional extensor tendon injury in volar plating of distal end radius fracture. Our method in this study was to use dorsal tangential view (DTV) intraoperatively to detect screw protrusions in the dorsal cortex and replace these screws with screws of appropriate size. Methods: We have enrolled 60 patients from in patient department of orthopaedics in a rural tertiary care institute (Indian Institute of Medical Science and Research Warudi, Ta. Badnapur, Dist. Jalna, Maharashtra) having distal end radius fracture above 18 years of age planned for volar plating. DTV other than standard PA, lateral view was taken to evaluate the dorsal cortex penetration. Results: Seven patients required AP and lateral view while 14 patients needed DTV with 80% power (α=0.05, β=0.2). Conclusions: Our study concluded that additional DTV apart from standard AP and lateral view will detect the dorsal penetration of screws and can be changed intraoperatively. Thus, DTV is advised to minimise the iatrogenic extensor tendon injury by dorsal screw penetration which might be missed in lateral view.

Evaluating Digital Competency among Pharmacy Students: A Study of Selected Pharmacy Institutes in India

This study investigated digital competence among pharmacy students. A survey of 1430 pharmacy students across 25 institutes in India revealed broad agreement on the importance of digital literacy, but with challenges varying on student demographics. The study’s reliability (Cronback’s alpha=0.838) ensures consistent data. Interestingly, challenges positively impact the perceived importance of digital literacy (beta=0.364), suggesting that students who engage with digital resources value it more. Finally, the model fit (RMSEA=0.061, CFI=0.950) indicates that the model accurately reflects the data. The main challenges identified were Lack of awareness and technical assistance, with a moderate positive correlation between perceived importance and faced difficulties. By encouraging digital literacy through targeted interventions and effective time management practices, pharmacy education cannot only prepare students for success in a digitalized healthcare landscape but also pave the way for a more digitally competent future generation of pharmacists.

Evaluation of AI-Generated Keywords for Information Retrieval in Library Catalogues

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. Yet its practical implementation remains somewhat limited in libraries. Despite notable advancements, several critical aspects of library technical work, particularly classification and cataloguing, continue to rely heavily on manual processes. This paper examines challenges in current practices, notably the labour-intensive tasks of finding class numbers and subject headings. While the option to import MARC (machine-readable cataloging) records via protocols like Z39.50 provides some relief, the absence of readily available records presents significant obstacles, especially for locally published materials. Against this backdrop, this research explores AI’s potential in generating relevant subject headings to streamline cataloguing processes and augment information retrieval. This study analysed one hundred books from the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) library, employing ChatGPT to generate subject headings. However, the resulting headings exhibited a lack of uniformity compared to manual cataloguing. Library headings emphasized geographic and physical details, whereas ChatGPT-generated headings were less detailed. Although ChatGPT facilitates the instantaneous generation, the quality of headings varied, with some resembling MARC fields. Refinement of ChatGPT’s syntax could potentially enhance relevance. Despite its efficiency, ChatGPT cannot entirely replace the human judgment required in cataloguing processes.

Clinical spectrum and outcome of children with deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2): multicentric experience from India.

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase-2 (DADA2) is a monogenic disorder closely resembling polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and can present to physicians across various specialties. Through this case series, we aim to describe the clinical spectrum and outcome of Indian children with DADA2. We aimed to study the clinical spectrum and outcome of Indian children with DADA-2. The deidentified data from all participating centres were entered in an excel sheet, and the coordinating centre (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi) screened the data for accuracy and completeness. We enrolled 16 children (11 females) in the study; the mean (SD) age at the time of onset of symptoms for males and females was 46.2 (47) and 73.6 (50.4) months, respectively. The most common clinical feature in this cohort was fever and rash in 80% of patients. More than half of children n, (%) [8, (53%)] had a CNS stroke. The other clinical features were hypertension [5(33%)], anaemia [3 (20%)] and arthralgia/arthritis in 4 (26%). These children were managed with various immunomodulators: steroids [13, (86%)], anti-TNF agents [(12, (80%)], cyclophosphamide [2 (13%)] and mycophenolate mofetil [3 (20%)]. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up for this cohort was 17 (10, 29) months. Fourteen children achieved remission and none had recurrent strokes after the initiation of anti-TNF drugs. DADA-2 closely resembles PAN; early age of onset and CNS stroke are striking differentiating features from classic PAN. Most children respond well to anti-TNF agents without serious adverse events during short-term follow-up.

Offline-to-online shift of medical education: A multi-method study of medical teachers and students from India

Objectives: The objective of the study is to explore undergraduate medical students’ and teachers’ perceptions, detailed insights and learning experiences on online medical education. Materials and Methods: This is an institution-based multi-method study conducted at three medical institutes in India. A self-prepared semi-structured questionnaire was used to extract various perspectives of teaching and assessment through online mode. A qualitative descriptive design was applied using focused group discussion (FGD). All FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis to identify themes and subthemes regarding perceptions of online and offline education. Results: A total of 323 medical students out of 510 and 35 medical teachers out of 71 were included in the study. Most students and teachers agreed to the fact that they faced technical difficulties, were perceived as less connected, and felt difficulty in achieving desired competencies. In qualitative analysis, five major themes (Learning Environment, Technology, Competency, Health issues and Assessment) and multiple subthemes were identified. Conclusion: Improvement of the online teaching methods with appropriate technical advancement may help to reduce the gap between the online and offline teaching learning modalities.

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury After Episiometer-Guided Versus Conventional Episiotomy in Instrumental Deliveries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Guidelines recommend episiotomy for instrumental vaginal delivery with an optimal incision angle of 60° to protect the anal sphincter. The "Episiometer" is a new device promising a 60° incision angle. We compared the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and post-repair suture angle of episiotomies made with conventional "eyeballing" versus Episiometer guided during instrumental delivery. We conducted this randomized controlled trial in a tertiary care teaching institute in southern India after ethical committee approval, trial registration, and informed consent. We randomized (block) 328 pregnant women aged 18 years and above with term, singleton fetuses delivered by instruments into Episiometer-guided (164) or conventional episiotomy (164) groups (allocation concealed). We compared the OASI (identified clinically) and the suture angle measured from the midline (assessor blinded) in the two groups. We followed up on the subjects at 6 and 12 weeks to assess perineal pain and fecal/flatus incontinence. The incidence of OASI of 0.61% in the Episiometer group was significantly lower compared with 4.88% in the eyeballing group (Chi-squared = 5.6; p = 0.02; adjusted risk ratio = 5.9; CI 0.7-46.1; p = 0.09). A significantly higher proportion of subjects (59.1%) in the Episometer group had a post-suture angle between 36 and 40° compared with 36.6% in the eyeballing group (Chi-squared = 21.8, p < 0.001). We found no significant difference in the perineal pain or Wexner score during follow-up. The Episiometer-guided episiotomy during instrumental delivery resulted in a significantly higher suture angle and lower obstetric anal sphincter injuries than with conventional eyeballing.

The burden of tuberculosis among patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma in a tertiary care center

BackgroundLung cancer and tuberculosis share similar risk factors, clinical spectrum, radiological features and it is difficult to differentiate but it is important to diagnose both conditions for targeted therapy and better outcome. AimsOur primary objective was to estimate the proportion of TB in primary biopsy proven non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cases. Material & methodsThis prospective observational study was conducted in the Departments of Medicine/Pulmonary Medicine/Medical Oncology and Microbiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi for a period of 2 years (January 2020–December 2021). Patients with biopsy proven, primary non-small cell lung cancer were recruited and sputum samples were subjected to microbiological investigations to confirm tuberculosis. Comparison was done in two groups of lung cancer patients with confirmed TB (Group A) and without confirmed tuberculosis (Group B). ResultsTotal 75 patients with biopsy proven, primary NSCLC were recruited and 16 % (12/75) were diagnosed with confirmed TB. Adenocarcinoma (36.48 %) and Squamous cell carcinoma (33.44 %) were the two predominant histopathological subtypes of NSCLC. About 57 (76 %) of them were found to be in stage IV of Lung cancer at initial presentation itself (75 % in group A & 74.6 % in group B; p value < 0.80). A majority of patients (11/12 cases; 91 %) of group A were males with a mean age of 59 ± 7.5 years. The upper lobes of the lung were involved in 65 % (49/75) of the cases and showing a mass lesion on imaging (75 % in group A & 65 % in group B; p value < 0.52). Kaplan Meier survival revealed a median survival time of 11 months in subjects with only NSCLC and a median survival time of 4 months in the group with concomitant TB and NSCLC (p value < 0.44).

Perceived Learning and Feedback of Students Following the Competency-based Clinical Rotation in Psychiatry: A Retrospective Review From Tertiary-care Teaching Institute in Central India

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) offers avenues for effective psychiatry teaching to medical students. However, data concerning the feasibility, effectiveness, and students’ perspectives on CBME-based clinical rotation, including psychiatry, needs to be explored in India. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the student’s learning effectiveness and feedback on the CBME-informed psychiatry posting. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective research evaluated the 7th-semester MBBS students (n = 101, 39 [38.6%] females and 62 [71.4%] males), from a tertiary-care teaching hospital in central India, perceived change in Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill and feedback on the CBME-based clinical rotation (July-December 2023) using a mixed-method approach through an online feedback form. Results: A “considerable or marked perceived change,” ranging from 70% to 97%, in the knowledge, attitude, ethical aspects, psychomotor skills, and soft skills were noted. 84%–91% of students were “satisfied/quite satisfied (or rated it good to very good)” with the pattern and content of the program, including the assessment. 37% expressed their desire to take psychiatry as an elective. Descriptive responses showed that participants felt improvement in their communication skills, knowledge about non-pharmacological interventions, opportunity to observe and present cases in the Outpatient Department, and satisfaction with the teaching and assessment methods. The need for minor changes regarding case-based formative assessment and the opportunity for more case workups were also cited. Conclusion: The CBME-informed psychiatry clinical rotation can be instrumental in improving psychiatry training and promoting mental health among students. Research involving a comparison arm, longitudinal design, and validated assessment tools can bring greater insights into the subject.