Perceived Relevance of Case Based Learning among 1st and 2nd Year MBBS Students of Basic Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Case Based Learning (CBL), an educational paradigm wherein knowledge of basic sciences is integrated with clinical sciences.

Objectives: To determine which demographical factors tend to influence the relevance of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry among 1^st and 2^nd year undergraduate MBBS students.

Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 1^st and 2^nd year undergraduate medical students at Al-Tibri Medical College for period of six months. Self-design questionnaire was distributed to students after pilot testing. Questionnaire was distributed to students via Google Forms. Students willing to participate were included voluntarily without any repercussions. SPSS version 22.0 was used for data analysis.  Chi-square test was applied to test computed scores of perceived relevance of CBL with demographics. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Mean age of students in 1^st and 2^nd year was 19.76 ± 2.41 and 20.61 ± 2.79 years. In total there were 83 males and 97 females included in the study. 139 students had studied high school from Intermediate Board while 41 had done A levels or Aga Khan Board. The highest rating on Likert scale was observed in question whether CBL should be integrated into the curriculum more extensively (4.02 ± 0.78) and followed up by diversity of cases in CBL helps me understand various clinical conditions better (3.96 ± 0.86).

Conclusion: Highest qualification in terms of Intermediate and A levels significantly affected student’s responses to the relevance of CBL. However age and gender did have a significant impact in some aspects of CBL.

Keywords: Basic Medical Sciences, Case Based Learning, Integrated Curriculum, Modern Teaching Methods