Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Exploring the learners’ perspectives on competency‑based medical education

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Rashmi Ramanathan
. Jeevithan Shanmugam 1
. Sridhar Magadi Gopalakrishna 2
. Kalaniti Palanisami 3
. Seetharaman Narayanan 4

1 Department of Community Medicine, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

2 Department of Biochemistry, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,

3 Department of General Medicine, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

4 Department of Community Medicine, KMCH Institute of Health Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India,

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A novel innovation in medical education was initiated by the Medical Council of
India after 21 years. Competency‑based medical education (CBME) is an effective outcome‑based
strategy, which requires integration of knowledge, attitude, skills, values, and responsiveness. The
aim was to assess the students’ perspectives on competency‑based medical curriculum.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1st year
MBBS students (2019–2020 batch). A validated questionnaire was administered through Google link
among phase I medical students of various medical colleges across India by multistage sampling.
RESULTS: A total of 987 students from 74 medical colleges in India responded. Nearly three‑fourths
opined that foundation course (FC), attitude ethics communication module, and early clinical exposure
were necessary. Horizontal integration was more appreciated to vertical integration. Maintaining log
books was perceived as time‑consuming and cumbersome.
CONCLUSION: The CBME when meticulously adopted will inspire student enthusiasm for learning.
Few reforms such as curtailing the duration of FC, diffuse sessions on stress and time management,
better synchronized vertical integration, and an exemplary implementation of adult learning techniques
can be undertaken.

Keywords

Alignment
attitude ethics communication
competency‑based medical education
early clinical exposure
integration
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 3
March 2021
Pages 1-6

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