Assessment of Hybrid Problem Oriented Approach in teaching AETCOM module 4.9 in final MBBS curriculum

Background: AETCOM module 4.9 aims to sensitize students to legal aspects of care including negligence. It is a major public health issue related to patient safety. Aims & Objectives: This study was done to assess the effectiveness of the hybrid problem-oriented approach in teaching this module among phase 3 part-2 MBBS students and its perception among students and faculty. Methodology: Module-based educational prospective interventional study involving final MBBS students and faculty of Pediatrics Department. AETCOM Module was implemented as per NMC (National Medical Commission), India suggestions involving 1 hour of sensitization, 3 hours of self-directed learning 1 hour of role play and interactive lecture, and 1 hour of panel discussion. Pre- and post-test scores of pre-validated MCQs to assess knowledge, case closure, reflections and Likert’s scale for perception were recorded. Results: 115 final MBBS students and 6 faculty of the Department of Pediatrics participated. Significant improvement in post-test score of MCQ (mean 6.2 to 7.2 p<0.0001 on Wilcoxon signed rank test) and score on case closure (n=97, 84.3% scoring >80%) was observed. It was well received by students (n=112, 97.4%- satisfied or very satisfied) and faculty (n=5, 83.3%- very satisfied). They also found it useful (n=4, 66.7%). Majority of students strongly agreed that it enhanced understanding (n=88, 76.5%), it was practical (n=92, 80%), interesting (n=88, 76.5%), interactive (n=91, 79.1%) and promoted learning retention (n=78, 67.8%). Conclusion: A hybrid problem-based approach for teaching AETCOM module 4.9 was found to be effective in imparting knowledge and comprehension and it was well appreciated by students and faculty members.