ABSTRACT
Background: Awareness about rational use of Medicines is required to improve the quality of health care system. Attitude towards rational drug use is also an utmost importance as they constitute the future generation doctors.Methods: A set of 13 questionnaire is given to the interns through an online link to their e-mail which contains informed consent and questionnaires. Respondents has to select the best suitable option and after which the data will be compiled and statistically analyzed.Results: Age of the study participants range from 22-26yrs. Half of them have finished major postings. Almost 96.1 % of them were aware of the term essential drugs. Only 25% of them said that they have NLEMI at work place, 75% of them were aware of the term Rational use of Medicines. Only 32% of them were aware of the term P drugs. 44% of them were aware of STEP criteria for selection of drug and 47% of them were aware of the updated prescribing format. 8% knew the difference between old and new prescription format, 25% of them always prescribe. Almost 82% of them narrate regarding the disease and drug therapy, 31% of them prescribe only generic name.Conclusions: Educational intervention like CME and practical hands on training in Rational use of Medicines would help them in better understanding of the subject and its clinical implications thereby decreasing the prescribing errors.
ABSTRACT
Background: With the rising instances of antibiotic resistance and decline in the discovery of newer antibiotics, it is high time to prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance. One of the best measures regarding the above problem is education and creating awareness regarding antibiotic resistance, and that too primarily among healthcare professionals. The initiation should start at the basic level and that too in the early days of medical profession, so that there is greater awareness and strong foundation for antibiotic prescribing pattern. The present study is taken up to compare awareness among 1st year and 2nd year medical students in a private medical college with 2nd year medical students having prior education regarding antibiotics resistance and first year students representing general public without any education regarding antibiotics resistance.Methods: This study was a comparative, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study. The questionnaire was validated for face validity and content validity from subject experts. The two groups selected were 1st year and 2nd year medical undergraduates. Data was analysed using simple descriptive statistics.Results: 136 students from 1st year and 88 students from 2nd year participated in the study. In both the groups studied, majority of the respondents completed the full course of antibiotics. 77% of 1st year and all 2nd year students were aware of the antibiotic resistance. 99% of 2nd year students and only 49% of the 1st year students were aware of the reasons for it (p<0.01). Awareness regarding prophylactic usage of antibiotics, usage for simple common cold and usage of higher antibiotics for mid infection leading to Antibiotic Resistance was significantly less among first year students. 2nd year students were well aware of consequences of antibiotic resistance like ineffective treatment, prolongation of illness, emergence of bacterial resistance and additional cost burden than 1st year students. Awareness regarding other aspects of antibiotic resistance was not significant between two groups.Conclusions: Stressing upon awareness and education regarding antibiotic resistance in the early days of medical curriculum will help in change of behaviour and habits of antibiotic usage and rational prescribing of antibiotics by the future doctors.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mannequin-based training devices are simulation adjuncts that mimic reality in healthcare settings for acquiring basic procedural skills, without compromising patient safety. The current study aims to explore students’ perceptions of mannequin-based simulation as an educational tool and perceived changes in self-confidence by using a mixed-method research.Methods: This questionnaire?based study was conducted in 2nd year MBBS students. Pre-validated questionnaires measured the quantitative and qualitative aspects of simulation-training in-terms of their relevance as teaching–learning tool, perceived benefits of sessions, and their importance for future use. The study further attempted to note any perceived change in students’ confidence, measured before and after sessions. Chi-square and Fischer-exact test were computed for quantitative responses. Wilcoxon signed-rank test (two-tailed) was used to analyse students’ confidence rating before and after simulation. Categorical data were represented as frequencies and proportions.Results: Overall, the sessions were well received by students. Over 90% of students agreed that simulation is a safe, enjoyable and feasible modality for acquiring basic clinical skills. Majority opined that sessions helped them integrate basic-life sciences and clinical concepts, improved attention span and urged inclusion in undergraduate curriculum. Students perceived significant improvements (p<0.001) in confidence post-training. Free-text responses were positive with students highlighting the need for simulation sessions and suggestions for improvement.Conclusions: Most students consider mannequin-based learning as an essential tool to acquire procedural skills. By promoting active student engagement and impactful learning, simulations justify inclusion in medical curriculum for better patient safety.