Evaluation of Knowledge in Clinical Applications of Anatomy at the end of First Year M.B.B.S - A Questionnaire Based Study

Abstract

Background: Anatomy has several sub-divisions. Each and every sub-division takes us to a road of knowledge as to how the cell has given rise to such an enthralling human life. It is important to have an integrated curriculum so as to end the monotony of the basic sciences by creating an enthusiastic approach by correlating the topics dealt in anatomy with clinical practice. In this study, our vision is to evaluate as medical teachers be it in basic sciences or as clinicians that whatever we are trying to impart to our students is it imbibed in their minds on their way to be a Indian medical graduate to assess knowledge the first year M.B,B.S students have attained at the end of their first year tenure. Objective: 1.Assess whether student is able to correlate anatomy when they enter the clinical postings. 2.Assess the role of integration in the medical education.

Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, A.C.S Medical College and Hospital, Chennai with academic inputs from the department of General Surgery, Pacific medical college and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan. A set of 15 questions were prepared to test the familiarity of students with the use of medical terminologies, surface landmarks of the vessels, bones as well as placement of the viscera by the end of I M.B,B.S. 133 students appeared for the test. Results: A grading system was devised where a score equal to or above 50% was considered as an average and a good score. It was found that 52.6% of the students had a poor knowledge with regards to the subject of medicine. With regard to questions related to surgery, 91% of the students’ performance was below average. 75% of the students showed up poor performance as a whole.  Conclusions: The study conducted revealed the importance of integration between the anatomy and clinical subjects but also unveiled the importance of an early clinical exposure . To conclude, the study was conducted to evaluate and evolve better teaching learning methods in anatomy so that it helps the student further in their clinical skills.