ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of concept mapping [CM] on the academic performance of medical students' in problem-solving as well as in declarative knowledge questions and their perception regarding CM
Methods: The present analytical and questionnaire-based study was carried out at Bahria University Medical and Dental College [BUMDC] Karachi, Pakistan. In this analytical study, students were assessed with problem-solving questions [A-type MCQs], and declarative knowledge questions [short essay questions], and 50% of the questions were from the topics learned by CM. Students also filled a 10-item, 3-point Likert scale questionnaire about their perception regarding the effectiveness of the CM approach, and two open-ended questions were also asked
Results: There was a significant difference in the marks obtained in those problem-solving questions, which were learned by CM as compared to those topics which were taught by the traditional lectures [p<0.001], while no significant difference was observed in marks in declarative knowledge questions [p=0.704]
Analysis of students' perception regarding CM showed that majority of the students perceive that CM is a helpful technique and it is enjoyed by the students. In open-ended questions, the majority of the students commented positively about the effectiveness of CM
Conclusion: Our results indicate that CM improves academic performance in problem solving but not in declarative knowledge questions. Students' perception about the effectiveness of CM was overwhelmingly positive
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the change in interviewers' perception of Multiple Mini Interviews [MMI] after MMI training and after actual MMI experience
Methods: Six sessions were conducted during two weeks [October 26, 2015- to November 6, 2015] to a total of 87 faculty members. The evaluation dealt with 13 items questionnaire for representation of assessors' perception on 5 point rating scale. Assessors rated their perceptions to complete an anonymised questionnaire about rationale behind MMI, the process of MMI, and the use of scoring criteria [rubrics]. In addition, assessors were also asked to rate their level of satisfaction on MMI process after training and after interviews. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test [two-tailed] was used to compare participant's pre- and postinterview ratings
Results: With 81.6% response rate, the positive views of assessors about the MMI selection process and the use of scoring criteria [Rubric] to assess the candidate are not altered after experiencing a MMI selection day [p> 0.001]. Assessors [87%] would prefer to be involved in the process of MMI in future
Conclusion: The outstanding consistency of assessors' ratings before and after interview concluded that MMI training sessions were helpful in improving knowledge and skills about MMI process and candidates' assessment criteria [rubrics]
ABSTRACT
To find out hs-CRP levels in type 2 diabetic patients with and without CHD and to further evaluate association of hs-CRP with glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile. A cross- sectional / analytical study was conducted. Group A comprised of 100 type 2 diabetic patients without CHD and Group B comprised of 100 type 2 diabetic patients with CHD. All the patients were randomly selected from Khyber teaching hospital [KTH] and Hyatabad Medical Complex [HMC]. Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Lipid profile and hs-CRP levels were assessed. The mean hs-CRP, FBS and glycosylated hemoglobin values were significantly [P< 0.05] high in type 2 diabetic patients having CHD than type 2 diabetic patients without CHD. Moreover, hs-CRP also showed a significant [P< 0.05] positive association with FBS and HbAlc and negative association with HDL-C [P< 0.05]. Raised levels of plasma hs-CRP in type 2 diabetic patients may contribute to ongoing atherosclerotic processes leading to the development of coronary heart disease in these patients and this can be used as a marker of development of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus
ABSTRACT
To evaluate Multiple Choice and Short Essay Question items in Basic Medical Sciences by determining item writing flaws [IWFs] of MCQs along with cognitive level of each item in both methods. This analytical study evaluated the quality of the assessment tools used for the first batch in a newly established medical college in Karachi, Pakistan. First and sixth module assessment tools in Biochemistry during 2009-2010 were analyzed. Cognitive level of MCQs and SEQs, were noted and MCQ item writing flaws were also evaluated. A total of 36 SEQs and 150 MCQs of four items were analyzed. The cognitive level of 83.33% of SEQs was at recall level while remaining 16.67% were assessing interpretation of data. Seventy six percents of the MCQs were at recall level while remaining 24% were at the interpretation. Regarding IWFs, 69 IWFs were found in 150 MCQs. The commonest among them were implausible distracters [30.43%], unfocused stem [27.54%] and unnecessary information in the stem [24.64%]. There is a need to review the quality including the content of assessment tools. A structured faculty development program is recommended for developing improved assessment tools that align with learning outcomes and measure competency of medical students
ABSTRACT
To assess the use, handling and disposal of insulin injection equipment by diabetic patients in Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional study at diabetic clinics in five tertiary centers in Pakistan. All diabetic patients [type 1/type 2] who were on insulin for more than 1 month, were included. An Urdu [local language]-translated questionnaire was used to collect information on insulin administration equipment, the site and frequency of needle use, insulin syringe/pen/lancet disposal, sharing of needles and knowledge about diseases that are spread by sharing contaminated needles. Of 375 patients, 58% were female. The mean [SD] duration of diabetes was 12.3 [7.3] years, and the duration of insulin use was 4.4 [4.3] years. The majority of the patients used syringes [88.3%] for insulin administration. Additionally, the majority of the patients disposed of used devices [syringes, 92%; pens, 75%; and lancets, 91%] in the household garbage collection bin. About half of the patients [n = 185] reported being educated by their physicians about the disposal of sharps. Those who were educated by a physician [adjusted odds ratio [adjOR]: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.16-0.81] or could read/write English [adjOR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.11-0.92] were less likely to dispose of syringes and needles in the household garbage. The common disposal of sharps in the household garbage has implications for disease transmission. Education on the safe disposal of sharps may improve the disposal practices
ABSTRACT
To understand and evaluate practicing women physicians' perception of physical and mental health, job stress, satisfaction, and level of professional knowledge. Specifically designed questionnaires for socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health, Self perception of medical knowledge and ability were distributed among 150 female doctors. The sample consisted of family physicians [n=41], specialists [n=57] and house officers [n=52]. Only quantitative methods were used in the study to analyze the data. Findings: 71% of the women physicians perceived their physical health as good. 34% of the women physicians reported 'high' level of stress. The level of stress was high among house officers [32%] and specialists [21%] than family physicians [12%]. Conclusions: Most of the female doctors perceived their physical health as good and level of stress as 'high' or 'moderate'. Stress in female physicians leads to more time-off work, intake of antidepressant and smoking. Stressed doctors are also less likely to enjoy their practice