Basic life support through early clinical exposure: Students’ perspective
Varshini Athipathy, Pananghat Achutha Kumar, Rajangam Tolstoy, Parthasarathy Jeyakrishnan, Prakash Mohanasundram, Amareswar Reddy
Abstract
Background
Preclinical students in Indian medical colleges, who are fresh from their secondary schooling, are required to accumulate facts in basic sciences without any practical reference. Growing awareness of the significance of early clinical exposure (ECE) has prompted many institutions worldwide to start programs to introduce preclinical students to clinical medicine early. Following the Medical Council of India (MCI), PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSG IMSR), Coimbatore has introduced this program for first-year students.
Aims
In this study, an attempt is made to analyse the students’ perspective on ECE. The effectiveness of this program and the extent to which the students are benefitted is being evaluated.
Methods
This study focuses on the experience of the students who rotated through Clinical Simulation Laboratory, where they had training in Basic Life Support (BLS) under the program of ECE. The pre-post survey conducted through a questionnaire was analysed.
Results
The survey showed improvement in students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding BLS. Students recorded positive attributes regarding the session and found it “interesting” and “interactive.” They felt that the session motivated them to learn in an analytical way as opposed to the traditional learning style. The sessions were extremely rewarding.
Conclusion
The BLS program was successful as many students felt that it instilled confidence in them and they were prepared for their future profession. ECE should be continued in the following years and other institutions should consider starting a similar program.
Full Text:
Preclinical students in Indian medical colleges, who are fresh from their secondary schooling, are required to accumulate facts in basic sciences without any practical reference. Growing awareness of the significance of early clinical exposure (ECE) has prompted many institutions worldwide to start programs to introduce preclinical students to clinical medicine early. Following the Medical Council of India (MCI), PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSG IMSR), Coimbatore has introduced this program for first-year students.
Aims
In this study, an attempt is made to analyse the students’ perspective on ECE. The effectiveness of this program and the extent to which the students are benefitted is being evaluated.
Methods
This study focuses on the experience of the students who rotated through Clinical Simulation Laboratory, where they had training in Basic Life Support (BLS) under the program of ECE. The pre-post survey conducted through a questionnaire was analysed.
Results
The survey showed improvement in students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding BLS. Students recorded positive attributes regarding the session and found it “interesting” and “interactive.” They felt that the session motivated them to learn in an analytical way as opposed to the traditional learning style. The sessions were extremely rewarding.
Conclusion
The BLS program was successful as many students felt that it instilled confidence in them and they were prepared for their future profession. ECE should be continued in the following years and other institutions should consider starting a similar program.
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