Effectiveness of AETCOM in changing behavioural trends of medical students- With an emphasis on module 2.4 –Working in a health care team

Abstract

Introduction: Health care team is a multidisciplinary team. Working in a health care team as a leader and effective team member plays an important role in proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of the patient and is a prerequisite for improving overall patient care. Introduction of Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) modules by NMC in the undergraduate curriculum helps Indian medical graduate (IMG) to improve their soft skills.

Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of AETCOM module 2.4 training in changing the perspective and improving the knowledge of medical students towards working in a healthcare team.

Methods: A Module based interventional study was conducted among 2nd year MBBS students at KIMS & RF, Amalapuram. The tool used to assess the pre & post interventional results is 5 point Likert’s scale for 30 statements distributed over 5 domains (Structure of health-care team, Role of team member, Team work, Communication, Leadership). The difference in the means of pre test scores and post test scores were analysed for statistical significance using Paired T test (p value < 0.05 considered significant).

Results: The post test scores were higher when compared to the pre test scores with regard to all the 5 domains. Statistical significance was observed in 23(76.6%) statements.

Conclusion: Present study shows that AETCOM Module is effective in improving the knowledge and changing the perspective of medical students regarding working in a health care team, which in turn will improve the patient care and outcome