"Community Exposure and Engagement: A Comprehensive Analysis of Medical Students' Perspectives"

Medical Students' Perspectives on Community Exposure and Engagement

Abstract

Introduction including objectives: Community Postings are integral component of competency-based learning and training of Indian Medical Graduate (IMG). Present study aims to find role of community exposure in theoretical conceptual understanding of health and disease; community-based learning and awareness activities in the medical education of undergraduates.

            Methods: The present study performs comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of the learning and skills development from the medical students’ point of view during their early community exposure postings. Quantitative data collection was done with the help of a pre-designed and standardized 21-item questionnaire to assess generic competency-based medical education (CBME) objectives followed by formative and summative assessment during and end of the posting. Qualitative data collection was done with the pile-sorting and tagging methods after focus group discussions in groups of six to seven.

Results: Total ninety-nine study participants provided responses on five-point attitude measurement scale designed to measure role of community exposure on three themes: (a) solving health problems in collaboration with the community; (b) providing health education to the community; and (c) reducing inequity in access to health services. The qualitative ‘a priori’ themes were knowledge about environmental, socio-economic and lifestyle related aspects of health and disease. Development of communication, observation, team work, leadership and collaboration skills were found most engaging themes.  The health seeking patterns, behavior, problem burden and vital statistics were inherent components for curriculum of community posting. Nearly 5-10% study participants felt that more training is required for reducing health inequity and designing health education in addition to the early community exposure and postings.

Conclusions: Community based exposure and learning is strategically important for easing transition of medical undergraduate students from theoretical concepts to practical application.  The mixed methods perspectives and feedback from present study provides comprehensive insights into expectations and learning experiences of students during field postings and family visits. Regular and continuous assessment and feedback methods in community exposure postings of medical undergraduates are essential to ensures dynamic learning models and prepare sufficiently competent primary care providers.