Document Type : Letter to Editor
Authors
1 Department of Physiology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat, India
2 Department of Anesthesia, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India
Abstract
Introduction: Physiology, the foundation for medicine, learnt by animal experiments have long been replaced by computer or simulation or mannequin based teaching. Mannequin usage for Electrocardiogram (ECG) session, with case based discussion session provides hands-on practice to first year medical students without compromising patient care and safety. Case discussion improves critical thinking in a team.
Objective: To evaluate the perception and learning for physiological basis of ECG using mannequin based teaching approach for first year medical students.
Method: Observational, cross sectional study of first year student from 2017-18 batch in Sumandeep Vidyapeeth. Theoretical aspect of ECG was explained by interactive lecture series followed by 3hours practical session in groups (25 students per group) on “Heartsim 200” mannequin with clinical cases based on variation in ECG parameter as per cardiac disorder.
Result: Statistically significant learning outcome was observed from pre-post analysis. Students agreed to a have a deeper understanding of the concepts, other than enjoyed this learning activity. Usage of this type of activity for other clinical practical session was strongly agreed by majority of the students. Although, limited time and large group of students were highlighted as limitations for the study.
Conclusion: Mannequin is a useful learning tool for deeper understanding of clinical cases and practical during first year of medical teaching program.
Keywords
Dear Editor
In-depth understanding of physiology course can be acquired if students are provided opportunity to identify patho-physiology via clinical practicum ( 1 ). Simulators and mannequins’ have a positive impact towards providing better clinical understanding and have a feel of authentic ‘real’ clinical environment and experience ( 2 ), although it has less been implement in physiology program. Introduction of computer simulator programs for physiology laboratory has been appreciated and valued by various researchers ( 3 , 4 ). The aim of the study is to evaluate the perception and learning outcome among first year medical students for physiological basis of ECG, using mannequin based teaching approach.
Observational, cross sectional study commenced for 150 first year medical students of 2017-18 batch. The theoretical aspect of the ECG was taught during 3hrs lecture within three days, followed by 3hrs of practical session in the Labdhi (Skilled Lab) center and physiology lab of the Smt.B.K.Shah Medical institute & Research center, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University.
A pre-test was conducted after theory lectures and post test after completion of the practical. Students were divided into 6 groups (25 students in each). ECGs presentations for normal and various cardiac and metabolic disorders were conducted on “Heartsim 200” mannequins. Clinical case series as practical practice sheets were discussed after the lab session, separately.
Students perception for corrective implementation of mannequin based teaching was collected, by using a feedback survey questionnaire, based on five points Likert scale with two open-ended questions. Three Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted (8 students in each group) after the session.
Present study shows statistical significance (Mean±SD;15.48±19.05; p<0.0001) and middle level of correlation (0.50; p<0.625), between pre and post test result of participants (N=97) implying enhanced learning outcome with this teaching approach. These results are aligned with that of the study conducted by other researcher ( 1 , 5 ).
Friedman ranking analysis for the feedback items showed maximum ranking for the question specifying that this technique was for deeper understanding of the concept (11.03), participants enjoyed applied basis for learning of physiology (11.02). Lowest rank for questions “The concepts learned during these sessions may not be useful in near future” (3.53) and “Every student of the class was actively engaged and involved for this program” (6.06). Gender variability was observed for some of the questions.
The study concludes that this teaching method encourages students to be in a “near real live setting environment” and have better clinical conceptual understanding of the basic science topic taught. Simulations based sessions are organizational skills which will prepare students for real patient setting without compromising the patient care and safety.
References
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