EFFECTIVENESS OF EARLY CLINICAL EXPOSURE IN LEARNING ANATOMY AMONG FIRST MBBS STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Early clinical exposure improves students' understanding of basic sciences, clinical sciences, and patient-doctor interactions, while also promoting self-directed learning and analytical abilities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of early clinical exposure in learning Anatomy among the first MBBS students.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among first year MBBS students during their regular ECE sessions in the department of Anatomy The students were divided into two groups of 75, A (Non-ECE) and B (ECE), using a random lottery procedure. The same faculty member in the anatomy department explained about the Thyroid gland in both groups. The students of B group (ECE) were assigned to the surgical department for the ECE session. A pretest and post test were administered to both groups through MCQs (20 Marks) using an Online assessment tool (Google Form). The students Attitudes towards ECE was obtained from the ECE group (Group B) after the completion of session using 5-point Likert scale
Results: The Post-Test score was 11.23 ± 2.32 in Group A and 14.75 ± 2.38 in Group B which was statistically significant. Qualitative data on student feedback regarding ECE programme suggests that many students felt ECE is a useful, interesting tool for learning Anatomy
Conclusion: The ECE module substantially facilitated the understanding of the topic among first-year MBBS students. The learning process was rendered more engaging, and it facilitated the correlation between the clinical applications of fundamental sciences and their practical relevance in medicine. An alternative method to reinforce didactic instruction in applied anatomy is Early Clinical Exposure.