Impact of AETCOM module 1.4 (foundations of communication) on the knowledge and perception of MBBS phase I students regarding effective doctor–patient communication: a pre-test post-test study

diagnosis, treatment adherence, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and shared decision-making. The Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) program was introduced as part of India’s competency-based undergraduate medical education curriculum. This study evaluated changes in Phase I MBBS students’ knowledge following AETCOM module 1.4 (foundation of communication) and explored their perceptions of the module. Methods: A single-group pre-test post-test educational evaluation with a student-feedback survey was conducted among 150 Phase I MBBS students at a university-affiliated medical college and tertiary-care hospital in Pune, India, between May and July 2023. Students completed an eight-item questionnaire before and after the AETCOM sessions. Their perceptions were assessed using a structured feedback questionnaire. Pre and post-test scores were compared using a paired t-test. Results: The mean score increased from 2.86±0.84 in the pre-test to 5.52±1.38 in the post-test (p<0.001). Student feedback was favorable: all respondents considered AETCOM useful for highlighting the importance of the doctor–patient relationship, and most endorsed its potential contribution to communication skills and patient-centered care. Students also recommended greater use of activity-based, student-centered learning. Conclusions: AETCOM Module 1.4 was associated with improved scores on a knowledge-based assessment and was positively received by students. These findings support its role in introducing communication principles early in undergraduate medical education. Further studies using observed communication assessments and longitudinal follow-up are needed to determine whether knowledge gains translate into sustained communication skills in clinical practice.