Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Venkata Avinash Kumar Vegi
- . P. V. Sudhakar 1
- . Devi Madhavi Bhimarasetty 2
- . Kiran Pamarthi 2
- . Lokesh Edara 3
- . L. V. Simhachalam Kutikuppala 4
- . Tarun Kumar Suvvari 5
- . Shubham Anand 6
1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Principal, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2 Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
3 Department of Medicine, Western Michigan School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
4 Department of General Medicine, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India
5 Department of General Medicine, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
6 Department of General Medicine, GS Medical College, Pilkhuwa, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In curriculum reforms under Competency‑Based Medical Education (CBME)
introduced by the National Medical Commission, medical students are recognized as one of the
stake holders. The well‑designed multiple‑choice questions (MCQs) help students in assessment
as well as promote deep learning. The objective of this study is to assess the perceptions of the
Indian medical students towards the examination patterns in their undergraduate curriculum with
particular reference to MCQs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross‑sectional study was conducted among the
medical colleges in India. A total of 7875 students took part in the study. The study instrument was
a validated pretested self‑administered questionnaire. The study was conducted as an online survey
using the Google Forms platform. Inclusion criteria were students from all professional years as well
as interns and those who were willing to participate in the study.
RESULTS: For the question of initiation of MCQs as a tool for the assessment, many of the
students (46%) expressed that it should start from the 1st MBBS itself. The majority of the
students (85%) felt that MCQ oriented preparation will be helpful for MBBS professional (theory and
practical) examinations. Most of the students (90.9%) preferred that the MCQs should be concept
and case scenario based. To the question of whether the current system of the university theory
examinations of essays and short notes be replaced in total with MCQs so that they are more prepared
for NEXT and USMLE examination, 65.5% responded with an answer of yes.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide input to the regulatory authorities and other
stakeholders responsible for designing and implementing the medical curriculum.
Keywords
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